What Is an ISO Tank Container?

ISO tank containers have become the global standard for transporting bulk liquids, gases, and chemicals across land and sea. But what makes them so reliable—and why are they essential for cryogenic applications? In this article, we break down the fundamentals of ISO tanks, their structure, functionality, and their increasing relevance in energy, chemical, and industrial logistics.

Understanding the Basics: What Is an ISO Tank?

An ISO tank container is a cylindrical, stainless-steel pressure vessel mounted within a steel frame that adheres to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) dimensions. These containers are primarily used to safely store and transport bulk liquids—including chemicals, liquefied gases, food-grade products, and cryogenic substances.

Unlike drums or IBC totes, ISO tanks are optimized for international intermodal transport. They can be seamlessly moved between ships, trucks, and railways without needing to unload the cargo.

The Inner Workings: Design & Materials

ISO tank containers are constructed with high-grade stainless steel and are often lined or insulated depending on the cargo type. Each tank is enclosed in a protective carbon steel frame (typically 20 feet in length) designed to endure extreme conditions during transit.

Cryogenic ISO tanks, for example, feature multi-layer vacuum insulation and pressure-relief systems to preserve ultra-low-temperature contents like LNG, liquid nitrogen, or argon.

Why ISO Tanks? Key Advantages Over Traditional Packaging

Efficiency: Carry more volume compared to drums or IBCs, reducing transport cost per liter.
Safety: Leak-proof, pressure-tested, and temperature-regulated containers for hazardous or sensitive materials.
Eco-Friendly: Reusable for 20+ years with minimal material waste, aligning with sustainability goals.
Global Compatibility: Built for intermodal systems—road, rail, and sea.

Applications Across Industries

ISO tanks are used across a broad range of industries due to their flexibility, including:

Energy: Transport of LNG, LPG, and industrial gases.
Chemical: Safe bulk movement of acids, solvents, and hazardous liquids.
Pharmaceutical & Food: Sterile transport of glucose, alcohol, or liquid ingredients.
Cryogenics: Specialized tanks for ultra-cold gases used in medical and industrial settings.

Cryogenic Transport: Specialized ISO Tank Solutions

CryoTech offers advanced cryogenic ISO tanks engineered for the secure handling of LNG, liquid oxygen (LOX), nitrogen (LIN), and argon (LAR). These tanks are built with state-of-the-art insulation systems to minimize boil-off and maintain precise internal temperatures during long-haul journeys.

Our solutions are widely used in energy, metallurgy, and healthcare sectors where thermal stability and pressure control are mission-critical.

Built to Last: Safety & Global Compliance

All ISO tanks must conform to stringent international certifications such as:

ISO 1496/3 for structural design
IMDG, RID/ADR for dangerous goods transport
ASME, DOT, and TPED standards for pressure vessels
CryoTech tanks are available with GOST, CE, and BV certifications for global market access

Safety features include pressure relief valves, bursting discs, emergency shut-off devices, and GPS tracking options.

Why Choose CryoTech for ISO Tank Solutions?

As a leading manufacturer of cryogenic and industrial transport solutions, CryoTech offers:

Fully customizable ISO tank containers tailored to LNG, LOX, LIN, and chemical transport
Integrated engineering and support from design to after-sales service
Robust compliance with international standards to support global operations
Decades of experience serving clients across oil & gas, healthcare, and food sectors

Whether you're expanding your LNG fleet or upgrading chemical logistics, CryoTech’s ISO tanks are engineered for safety, durability, and performance.