The humble shipping container could be simply regarded by many as just a big steel box, but it is so much more than that. Those who understand its importance for global trade, associate the container as one of the most significant inventions in the world to date.

To learn why shipping containers are so important, we have to look at shipping container history to understand how a big steel box made such a big impact on international trade.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the history of shipping containers including:-

• A brief history of shipping containers
• When shipping containers were invented
• Who invented the shipping container
• Containerisation in shipping
• The first container ships
• Modern container ships
• And lots more..

Let’s take a look.

Who Invented the Shipping Container?

The idea of a steel container loaded with goods for easy transportation was thought up originally by an American man named Malcolm McLean. McLean was the owner of a trucking business in the United States of America, who after purchasing a steamship company wanted an easy method to transport goods from the truck to the ship.

The theory was that the vessel for storage itself needed to be transportable, not the goods within it. From this, the steel shipping container was born, and in 1956 Malcolm McLean invented and patented the container, and set about building his new product for the masses.

However, it was not just McLean who was pivotal in this innovation. A key figure in the development of the modern shipping container was Keith Tantlinger, an American engineer and inventor. Tantlinger designed the standardised shipping container and developed the twist-lock mechanism, which allowed containers to be securely stacked and locked in place during transport.

Containerisation and Intermodal Transportation

His collaboration with McLean was instrumental in translating the concept of containerisation in shipping into a workable and highly efficient design. Together, they refined the container design and the associated handling equipment to ensure seamless intermodal transport across ships, trains, and trucks. Tantlinger's innovations played a crucial role in the success of McLean's container shipping system, leading to the launch of the first container ship, the ‘Ideal X’, in 1956.

By using his shipping container Malcolm McLean was able to reduce the cost of loading and unloading cargo by over 90%, from $5.86 per tonne to load, to only $0.16 per tonne (based on 1956 prices). The container was invented on the theory of intermodalism, which today is the key system behind high efficiency with global shipping. The system of intermodalism allows for the same container which is loaded with goods at its starting location, to be transported via road, rail, and sea to the final destination without the goods needing to leave the container.

When Was The First Transported Container?

On 26th April 1956 the Ideal X was the first freighter to transport goods using McLean's new shipping containers. The ship transported 58 of the shipping containers from Newark to Houston. Shortly afterwards the first ship designed purely for carrying shipping containers, the ‘Maxton', which could carry 60 shipping containers as deck cargo, was put into service.

In order to ensure that McLean’s new shipping containers could travel across the globe, and be handled at every port, it was necessary for the containers to be built to a specific standard and that every container built the world over met this exact specification. Eventually after many negotiations, an international standard was agreed upon by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which set the shipping containers at lengths of 10', 20', 30' and 40', a width of 8', and a height of 8'6”.

Modern Container Ships: Giants of the Sea

In the ever-evolving world of global trade, modern container ships stand as the giants of the sea, playing a pivotal role in transporting goods across the globe. These colossal vessels have come a long way since the early days of containerisation, building on the innovations pioneered by McLean and Tantlinger. Their legacy lives on in the impressive stats and advanced technologies that make modern container ships the backbone of international shipping.

Key Stats and Features of Modern Container Ships

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1. Capacity: Modern container ships can carry up to 24,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The largest of these ships are over 400 meters long, almost the length of four football fields, and can carry enough containers to fill a 44-mile-long train.
2. Efficiency: These ships are designed for maximum efficiency, with advanced hull designs and engine technologies that reduce fuel consumption and emissions. A single large container ship can transport goods more efficiently than any other mode of transportation.
3. Speed: Despite their massive size, modern container ships can travel at speeds of up to 25 knots (about 29 miles per hour), ensuring timely delivery of goods across vast distances.
4. Technology: Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, these ships can safely navigate even the busiest and most challenging shipping routes. Automation and advanced logistics software further enhance their operational efficiency.
5. Environmental Impact: The shipping industry is increasingly focused on sustainability. Newer container ships are being built with eco-friendly features such as alternative fuel capabilities, energy-efficient engines, and ballast water treatment systems to minimise their environmental footprint.
6. Volume: Annually, about 250 million shipping containers are transported worldwide, underscoring the critical role container ships play in global trade.

Need a Shipping Container?

Whether you need to buy or hire a shipping container in the UK, with over 25 years of experience, Willbox has you covered. With a wide range of high-quality containers available, including options for site accommodation and container conversion, and 22 locations across the UK, we can meet all your storage and transportation needs. Contact us today to find out more or get a quote!

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