Offshore tank container inspections

Offshore tank containers are used for the transport of dangerous goods. Periodic inspections are essential to safeguard the safety, integrity, and availability of the tank body, pressure-retaining components, and lifting provisions.

Control Union carries out inspections of the tank body, pressure-retaining components, frame, and lifting provisions. In addition to the annual inspection of the frame and lifting provisions, offshore tank containers are subject to 2.5-yearly and 5-yearly inspections of the tank body and pressure-retaining components in accordance with applicable regulations.

    Periodic inspections in accordance with international regulations

    Offshore tank containers are subject to periodic inspections under the applicable IMDG, ADR, and RID regulations. In addition, the frame and lifting provisions are assessed in accordance with relevant offshore standards and guidelines, including IMO MSC/Circ. 860, EN 12079, EN-ISO 10855, and DNV-ST-E271.

    As an ABS Container Certification Firm (CCF), Control Union is authorised to carry out periodic inspections of tank containers within the ABS certification programme.

    This enables inspection, certification, and reporting to be efficiently combined within a single organisation. All inspection results, certificates, and inspection history are recorded digitally and made available via the online portal.

    Control Union

    Safety and compliance for offshore tank containers

    Control Union
    1.

    Inspection and maintenance in a single visit

    During periodic inspections, maintenance work such as replacing seals, gaskets, and fittings can be carried out immediately. This keeps lead times short and allows tank containers to be returned to operation more quickly.

    2.

    Aligned inspection intervals

    The annual inspection of the frame and lifting provisions is aligned with the 2.5-yearly and 5-yearly inspections of the tank body. This allows inspections to be planned more efficiently and keeps certification and inspection obligations clearly managed.

    3.

    Multi-skilled inspectors reduce mobilisations

    Our inspectors combine expertise in offshore containers, tank containers, and lifting provisions. This reduces the need for separate specialists and keeps mobilisation costs to a minimum.

    4.

    Insight via the online portal

    Inspection reports, certificates, and inspection history are recorded digitally and managed centrally in the online portal. This ensures all information relating to offshore tank containers remains visible and available at all times.

    5.

    Dedicated inspection teams on site

    At customer tank container depots, dedicated Control Union inspection teams carry out maintenance activities and ABS inspections on site. This reduces transport movements and keeps lead times predictable.

    How we work

    Control. Insight. Certainty.

    Our strength lies in the combination of inspection expertise, advanced data systems, and global field experience.

    Step 1

    The tank container is placed on a test stand and fully disassembled so inspectors check every component and replace worn seals or gaskets.

    Step 2

    After reassembly, Control Union pressure-tests the tank vessel with air or water to confirm structural integrity before release.

    Step 3

    Digitally signed ABS-approved reports upload to the ISO 27001 secured client portal, accessible around the clock for audit and fleet management.

    The proof to your promise

    Cost-efficient, independent, technically complete

    Control Union combines maintenance, inspection, certification, and technical support within one efficient process. As an ABS Container Certification Firm (CCF), we have our own ABS-authorised inspectors to carry out periodic tank container inspections.

    • ABS inspections and certification through a single organisation.

    • Less coordination with external parties and predictable lead times.

    • Independent inspection results and clear reporting.

    • Maintenance, inspections, and certification aligned within a single inspection window.

    Control Union
    Offshore tank container inspections are all about safety, certification, and operational continuity. By combining maintenance, inspections, certification, and technical support within one process, lead times remain manageable and tank containers remain available for use.
    Bernie Harms – Control Union
    Proof to your promise

    Frequently asked questions

    Control Union inspects offshore tank containers used for the transport of dangerous goods. The inspection covers the tank body, pressure-retaining components, frame, lifting provisions, and relevant fittings.

    The inspection time required depends on the type of inspection, the condition of the tank container, and the scope of any maintenance work. Control Union aligns inspection, maintenance, and certification as much as possible to limit lead times.

    All findings are recorded in the inspection report, including any recommendations for repair or follow-up actions. If specialist welding repairs are required, these can be carried out by a suitably qualified party.

    Smart procurement & advice

    Brand-independent advice and procurement of lifting, hoisting, fall protection and work equipment, driven by our years of inspection expertise and in-depth market and product knowledge.

    We ensure the right equipment is selected and procured for your operation, giving you maximum control over safety, compliance and costs.

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    Get in touch with our experts

    Looking to learn more about our inspection capabilities? Submit the form below and we’ll reach out promptly.

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    Control Union drives global trade forward. As an international and independent partner, we support traders, producers, brands, and logistics service providers in managing risk and safeguarding quality at every step of the supply chain.

    From raw material to final product, from processes and systems to installations, we provide insight, assurance, and trust in every link of the chain. We do this through inspections and audits, certification and verification, laboratory analyses, and pest management.

    Our global network of experts are embedded in international supply chains across dozens of sectors, including agriculture, food & feed, energy & biofuels, forestry, construction & infrastructure, textiles, maritime, and on- and offshore.

    Together, we build future-proof supply chains and confidence in global trade!

    105
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    Years of experience
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    Offices and laboratories in 80 countries
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    Dedicated colleagues