Blue Eco-friendly Containers

Next time, if you see a blue container, don't just think of "Maersk Line" container. It may be one of the 400 eco-friendly prototype containers being tested and used in the real world.


After researching and testing, the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) introduced 2 types of eco-friendly containers in September and October 2008.


The objectives are:

1. reduction of wood in container floor.

2. application of water-based exterior paints.

3. eco-friendly production that are relatively subtle and cost neutral to the industry.


The 2 selections being tested are:




1. "a pattern of every other wood blank separated by a steel strip that runs the length of the container, which IICL calls the “omega”;



2. the “tunnel” pattern which includes a wide steel strip up the middle of the box with wood planks on both sides.

Traditional Containers	Eco-friendly Containers
All-wood container floor	Half wood, half steel plating.
	-- support folk lifts and heavy cargoes.
	-- allow blocking materials to be nailed into the floor.
	-- met IICL and classification society criteria.
Solvent-based paint	Low-solvent, non-zinc water-based paint
Advantage: dry within 24 hours even in extreme humidity	Advantages: allows Hydrocoat to be applied inside without harsh paint fumes. reduces the risk of toxic solvent exposure.
Disadvantage: adverse effects on earth ozone layer.	Disadvantage: Require temperature and humidity control for drying. Unknown about the tolerance of salty, moist air on ocean waters.

So, if you use one of these 400 blue containers next time and want to write a comment, you can send it to Universal Cargo Management and we will forward it to IICL and/or its shipping line.