--- title: "How To Ship Steel Storage Tanks" description: "Need to ship steel storage tanks internationally? Our expert guide covers preparation, permits, and transport. Get a free quote" url: "https://shippinginternational.co.uk/how-to-ship/steel-storage-tanks" date: "2026-04-30T12:16:06+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- ![industrial steel storage tanks](https://shippinginternational.co.uk/images/si/breakbulk1.webp) Featured # International Shipping of Steel Storage Tanks ## Engineering the Move: Beyond Standard Freight Moving a steel storage tank, whether for fuel, chemicals, or water, presents a higher risk profile than standard heavy machinery. Because tanks are essentially hollow cylinders, they are vulnerable to point loading and shell buckling if not supported correctly. At Shipping International, we move beyond simple transport by coordinating with structural engineers to ensure your tank’s integrity remains intact from the UK factory to the international site. Our role involves managing the [customs clearance](https://shippinginternational.co.uk/services/customs-clearance/), selecting heavy-lift vessels, and ensuring compliance with ASME and API 650 standards for transport and handling. ## Selecting the Optimal Shipping Mode The tank's diameter and height determine the maritime equipment required. We primarily use three methods for international transit. ### Flat Rack Containers (OOG) For tanks that exceed the width of a standard container but remain under 4.5 metres in diameter, a flat rack is often the most efficient choice. The tank is secured to a platform using custom-fabricated steel or timber cradles. Because these units are loaded onto standard container ships, they offer more frequent departures and lower costs than specialised vessels. ### Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) If the tank is mounted on a permanent trailer or skid, RoRo is a viable option. We tow the unit onto the vessel’s weather-protected decks. This eliminates the need for crane lifts at the port, which is often where most physical damage to the tank’s exterior coating or nozzles occurs. ### Breakbulk and Deck Cargo Large-scale vertical or horizontal tanks that exceed the footprint of a flat rack are shipped as breakbulk. These are lifted directly onto the deck of a multipurpose vessel. In these cases, we calculate the sea fastening requirements to ensure the tank can withstand the G-forces of a vessel pitching in heavy seas. ## Tank Pre-Shipment and Inspection Checklist To avoid port rejection or equipment failure, project managers must verify the following before the tank leaves the site. Missing these steps can result in port detention fees exceeding £500 per day if the tank is held for cleaning or safety checks. ### 1. Internal Cleaning and Degassing - **MSDS Verification:** If the tank is used, you must provide a Material Safety Data Sheet for the last substance held. - **Gas-Free Certification:** For fuel or chemical tanks, a certified chemist must issue a Safe for Transport certificate to prove no volatile fumes remain. - **Internal Drying:** Moisture trapped inside a sealed tank during a 30-day sea voyage will cause rapid flash rust. Internal surfaces should be dried and, if necessary, treated with a VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor). ### 2. Structural and Nozzle Protection - **Blind Flanges:** All nozzles and manways must be sealed with blind flanges or heavy-duty plastic plugs to prevent debris and salt air from entering. - **Lifting Lug Inspection:** Ensure lifting lugs are certified and free of weld cracks. Port cranes will refuse to lift a tank if the lugs show signs of fatigue. - **Cradle Fitment:** Horizontal tanks must sit in saddles that cover at least 120 degrees of the tank's circumference to distribute weight and prevent the shell from ovaling. ### 3. Documentation and Compliance - **ASME/API Nameplate:** Ensure the data plate is visible and matches the provided technical drawings. - **Verified Gross Mass (VGM):** An accurate weight is mandatory under SOLAS law. This must include the weight of the cradles and any internal piping. - **Centre of Gravity (CoG):** For tanks with internal baffles or asymmetric attachments, the CoG must be clearly marked on the exterior to ensure a balanced lift. ## Critical Cost Drivers for Tank Logistics Shipping a tank is a volume-based expense. Because they take up significant space but are relatively light compared to solid steel, you pay for the lost slots on a vessel. - **The Footprint Charge:** Shipping lines charge based on the total area the tank occupies. A tank that is 5cm too wide for a standard lane can double the freight cost. - **Escorted Inland Haulage:** In the UK, tanks over 2.9m wide require a wide load notification to the police. Over 3.5m, they often require private escort vehicles. We manage these [road freight](https://shippinginternational.co.uk/services/road-freight/) permits as part of our service. - **Lashing and Securing Materials:** High-tensile chains, turnbuckles, and bespoke timber cradles are significant cost items. We provide transparent breakdowns for these accessorial charges. ## Risk Mitigation: Shell Deformation and Insurance The primary risk during [sea freight](https://shippinginternational.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) is structural damage from point loading. This occurs when too much pressure is applied to a small area of the tank shell. We mitigate this by using load-spreading mats and ensuring lashing straps are never placed directly over unreinforced sections of the tank skin. We provide All Risks marine insurance. This is critical because if a vessel encounters a General Average situation, the owner of the tank is legally liable for a portion of the vessel’s total loss unless they have adequate insurance in place. ## Frequently Asked Questions #### Do I need to remove the insulation before shipping? Generally, no. However, if the insulation is fragile, it may be crushed by lashing chains. We recommend adding spreader plates or shipping the tank without cladding if it is a particularly tight fit for a flat rack. Contact our [sea freight](https://shippinginternational.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) team for a technical review of your tank's exterior. #### Can you ship a tank that still contains residue? Tanks must be empty, clean, and dry. Any residue can lead to a Dangerous Goods classification, which significantly increases costs and limits vessel availability. If a tank is not certified gas-free, most RoRo and container lines will refuse to load it. #### What is the maximum diameter you can ship from the UK? While there is no theoretical maximum for sea freight, the limit is usually defined by the road route from your factory to the port. Most UK ports can handle tanks up to 6 or 7 metres in diameter via breakbulk, provided the road authorities grant a Special Order permit for the inland move. #### How are horizontal tanks supported on a flat rack? They are placed in bespoke timber or steel saddles. These cradles are then bolted or chained to the flat rack’s lashing points. This prevents the tank from rolling and ensures the weight is transferred to the container unit's reinforced corners. #### What documentation is needed for customs when exporting a tank? You will need a Commercial Invoice, a detailed Packing List, a Certificate of Origin, and the technical drawings showing the lifting points. We handle the full [customs clearance](https://shippinginternational.co.uk/services/customs-clearance/) process for you. ### Ready to Optimise Your Global Logistics? Get expert advice and a transparent, no-obligation quote for your next shipment. Contact the Shipping International team today to discover a more reliable way to ship. 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