Shipping containers have evolved from superficial cargo vessels to highly versatile structures for storage, transportation, and even living spaces. Among the most popular sizes are 20ft shipping containers, favoured for its manageable size and robust features. These containers, designed to withstand the rigours of international shipping and harsh environmental conditions, also come equipped with various security features to ensure the safety of their contents.
In this article, we’ll explore the durability and security aspects that make SCF 20ft shipping containers a top choice for businesses and individuals alike.
The material from which a 20-foot shipping container is constructed is at the core of its durability. Most containers are made from corten steel, a weathering steel specifically designed to resist corrosion and withstand the test of time.
This type of steel is known for its ability to form a protective oxide layer on its surface when exposed to moisture, preventing deeper layers from rusting. This makes corten steel ideal for containers exposed to the elements, whether on a ship at sea or outdoors in a storage yard.
Another significant durability aspect of the 20ft shipping container is its weatherproof design. These containers are built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including:
Heavy Rainfall: Thanks to watertight seals along the doors and edges, 20-foot containers can keep the contents dry even in the wettest environments. This makes them ideal for use in regions with high precipitation levels or shipping goods across oceans.
Extreme Temperatures: The thick steel walls of these containers provide insulation against fluctuating temperatures. Whether in cold or sweltering heat, the items inside the container are protected from the outside climate.
UV Resistance: The outer layer of the container is typically coated with marine-grade paint, which protects the steel from damage due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. This helps to prevent fading, cracking, or rusting over time.
The floors of 20-foot containers are typically made from marine-grade plywood or reinforced steel, providing a solid foundation capable of supporting heavy machinery, pallets of goods, or large quantities of raw materials. The flooring is treated with preservatives to protect against moisture, rot, and pests, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years, even with constant use.
In the world of shipping, containers are subjected to significant impacts—from being loaded and unloaded at ports to enduring rough seas. 20-foot containers are built to withstand these impacts without denting, bending, or breaking. The corrugated steel walls add an extra layer of strength and resilience, distributing force evenly across the container's surface to minimise damage during transport.
Durability alone isn’t enough; security is equally important, especially when shipping or storing valuable goods. Fortunately, 20-foot shipping containers have various security features designed to protect their contents from theft, tampering, and unauthorised access.
One of the most critical security features of a 20ft container is its locking system. The double doors on the front of the container are secured using high-tensile steel locking bars that run vertically across the doors, preventing them from being pried open.
In addition, most containers come with the option of a lockbox, a small steel housing that protects padlocks from being cut or tampered with. The lockbox is an essential feature for businesses using containers for long-term storage, adding an extra layer of security against break-ins.
The doors of a 20ft container are made from the same robust corten steel as the walls and roof, but they are often reinforced with additional steel plating to prevent forced entry. The door hinges are also designed to be tamper-resistant, further enhancing the container’s security.
As mentioned earlier, corten steel gives the 20ft shipping container excellent corrosion resistance. However, manufacturers take additional steps to ensure these containers remain in good condition, even in corrosive environments like coastal areas.
20-foot containers are typically coated with marine-grade paint to protect against saltwater corrosion. This specialised paint provides a barrier between the steel and the salty, humid air that can cause rust and corrosion. The paint is also UV-resistant, which helps to prevent fading and deterioration over time.
Corten steel has a unique property—it forms a layer of protective rust when exposed to the elements, which actually prevents further corrosion. This “self-healing” feature makes it ideal for shipping containers that are regularly exposed to moisture or salty air.
While 20-foot shipping containers have a standard set of durable and secure features, they can also be customised to meet specific security or storage needs.
Various upgrade options are available for those looking to enhance the security of their container. These include:
Alarm Systems: Motion sensors or alarms can be installed inside the container to alert the owner if someone attempts to break in.
Surveillance Cameras: External or internal cameras can be mounted on the container to monitor activity around it.
Additional Locking Systems: Some owners install additional internal locks or electronic access control systems to further restrict unauthorised entry for high-value goods.
20-foot shipping containers are built to last, with durability and security at the forefront of their design. From their robust corten steel construction and weatherproof design to their advanced locking mechanisms and corrosion-resistant coatings, these containers offer unparalleled protection for the goods they hold. Whether used for transportation, storage or as a creative building solution, 20-foot shipping containers provide a reliable and secure option that can withstand environmental and potential security threats.
