Demand grows for second-hand tank containers

THERE IS an increasing demand for second hand tank containers as static storage units and as bulk feeders into manufacturing processes, and while this market is not large at present and supplies are limited, every effort is made to meet orders says M&S Shipping director Malcolm Drysdale.
"This operation is run parallel to our leasing activities," he says. "Even second hand tanks are not cheap but they do have the advantage of coming ready to cope with most chemicals. They are insulated and have all the valves you'd ever want and are obviously easy to move from one location to another."
Leasing and tank sales activities are handled by Barry Riede who was previously managing director of TransAmerica Leasing in this country. The company's operating and lease fleet currently totals just on 500 tanks of which there are 75 Ôspecials' either built specifically or converted to cope with the nature of the chemical to be carried.
"Figures produced in the first quarter of this year give rise to a feeling of reasonable confidence that the year ahead will show steady growth," says Drysdale. "As tank container operators our basic principle is to offer a package to clients, incorporating specialised equipment, positioning, labelling, ocean freight, tank rental and insurance, recovery at destination and cleaning, so that the shipper and receiver enjoy a seamless package from quay or door to door.."
Drysdale is quick to point out that insurance policies in these instances are not standard Ôoff the shelf' marine issue as they have to cover public liability and environmental issues in the event of accidents..
"Safety issues are addressed on an ongoing basis and our pet project for this year is satellite tracking, Once that is up and running we need to link tracking to an internet site to allow access to our clients."