20 feet container in Portsmouth: £1,350 – £4,300 by condition
Looking for a 20 feet container in Portsmouth (South East England)? First British Naval Base (HMNB Portsmouth — HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales aircraft carriers), Channel Ferry Port (Brittany Ferries, P&O — Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre, Santander). Strong defence activity. Our partner sellers deliver from Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (PO2). Delivery in 48 h from Southampton (25 km) or Marchwood. Tariff £300-£540. Naval military zones with specific authorisations required. Commercial port and Continental Ferry Port accessible.
Price for 20 feet container in Portsmouth
Rates for Portsmouth (regional coefficient ×0.95 applied to the national grid).
| Status | Price Excl. VAT | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| new — Standard factory exit colour (RAL 5010 blue) | £3,570 – £4,515 | Conversion, commerce, resale — typical use in Portsmouth: naval defence |
| new — Customised factory exit colour | £3,570 – £4,515 | Brand identity, showcase — typical use in Portsmouth: channel ferries |
| new — Factory exit + options (pre-fitted openings) | £4,200 – £5,198 | Tiny house, mobile commerce, premium site cabin — typical use in Portsmouth: naval defence |
| one-trip — Standard one-trip | £3,203 – £3,885 | Habitable conversion, commercial use, premium site cabin — typical use in Portsmouth: channel ferries |
| one-trip — One-trip with openings | £3,203 – £3,885 | Container already prepared for conversion — typical use in Portsmouth: naval defence |
| used — Grade A (very good condition) | £2,205 – £2,783 | Visible pro storage, site cabin, showcase — typical use in Portsmouth: channel ferries |
| used — Grade B (good condition) | £1,785 – £2,415 | Non-visible storage, projects with light refurbishment needed — typical use in Portsmouth: naval defence |
| used — Grade C (used condition) | £1,418 – £1,995 | Temporary storage, inspect before purchase — typical use in Portsmouth: channel ferries |
Indicative prices for Portsmouth (regional coefficient ×0.95, rounded up by 50 €). Excluding delivery (£250 – £900 depending on postcode). Source depot: Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (PO2).
Compare by condition
20 feet new in Portsmouth — £3,570 – £4,515
The brand new 20-foot container is a direct factory output — mainly China (CIMC, Singamas, Dong Fang). No journey, no use. Justified for high-end conversion, visible commerce, future resale or very demanding markets (healthcare, food industry). Expect to pay 30-50 % more than Grade A used.
Key points to remember
- Manufacturer's warranty of 5 years (waterproofing + structure)
- New CSC plate, valid for maritime export
- Default colour RAL 5010, customisable on direct order
- Lead time: 8-14 weeks for custom orders, 1-2 weeks if in stock at the depot
- Moderate depreciation upon resale (15-20% over three years with maintenance)
For whom?
Professionals and individuals who want a healthy base for conversion (tiny house, commerce, premium office), easy resale, or a visible project where appearance matters. Avoid brand new if storing in an out-of-sight backyard: Grade A at €2,500 is sufficient.
20 feet one-trip in Portsmouth — £3,203 – £3,885
The 'one-trip' is a container freshly manufactured in China and used for ONE single maritime journey to Europe (3-6 months). Upon arrival, it is resold on the secondary market at 10-15% less than new, yet with almost identical appearance. The optimal price/quality compromise for 80% of conversion projects.
Key points to remember
- Near-new condition: original paintwork and seals, perfect floor
- Valid CSC plate for maritime export
- Save €400 to €700 compared to new, same quality
- Mainly available in RAL 5010 (blue) or RAL 7016 (grey)
- Waterproof warranty of 12-24 months according to the supplier
For whom?
The best price/quality compromise for conversion projects. Near-new appearance, intact structure, often comes with a 2-year warranty, at 10-15% less than new. Ideal for tiny houses, garden offices, mobile shops.
20 feet used in Portsmouth — £1,418 – £2,783
The used 20-foot shipping container is the most dynamic segment of the European market: 80% of sales are made in this format. Shipping containers retired from fleet service (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) after 10-15 years of maritime use are reclassified as A, B or C. Choosing a grade means balancing purchase price and refurbishment budget.
Key points to remember
- Clear definitions for Grades A/B/C — every serious supplier provides the grade and photos
- Water and wind tightness guarantee 12-24 months for Grade A and B
- Valid CSC plate except downgraded — verify before maritime export
- Customisation possible (paint, openings) on Grade A and B
- Available in most European depots within J+5
For whom?
Individuals and businesses seeking immediate low-cost storage space. The used 20-foot shipping container is the most versatile format: easy to transport, delivered by standard crane truck, accessible from €1,400 in Grade C.
Why choose a 20 feet container in Portsmouth?
Local specificity
Portsmouth is the UK's home of the Royal Navy (HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carriers based here). Brittany Ferries route Portsmouth-Bilbao (24h crossing) is the UK's only direct ferry to Spain. Demand specialises in MOD-compliant welfare and harbour-rated reefer containers.
The dominant sectors in Portsmouth (Naval Defence (HMNB Aircraft Carriers), Channel Ferries (France, Spain), Tourism (HMS Victory, D-Day), Aerospace (BAE Rolls Royce)) have recurring needs for 20 feet shipping containers for naval defence: temporary construction site storage, site accommodation units, archives, equipment.
Population: 210,000 inhabitants · County HAM (Hampshire) · Region South East England.
Delivery to Portsmouth
Postcodes served: PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4, PO5.
Lead time from Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (PO2): 5-10 working days.
Delivery in 48 h from Southampton (25 km) or Marchwood. Tariff £300-£540. Naval military zones with specific authorisations required. Commercial port and Continental Ferry Port accessible.
Estimated delivery cost: £250 to £900 depending on your postcode.
Frequently Asked Questions — 20 feet shipping container in Portsmouth
What is the delivery cost for a 20 feet shipping container to Portsmouth?+
Delivery costs range from £250 to £800 depending on your postcode (PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4…) and distance from the depot Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (PO2). Delivery in 48 h from Southampton (25 km) or Marchwood. Tariff £300-£540. Naval military zones with specific authorisations required. Commercial port and Continental Ferry Port accessible. Standard lead time: 5-10 working days.
Is there a container depot for 20 feet near Portsmouth?+
Yes — the nearest partner depot for 20 feet new, one-trip, used is Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (PO2). Towns served around Portsmouth without surcharge: Gosport, Fareham, Havant, Waterlooville. For other towns within Hampshire, a per-kilometre surcharge applies based on road distance.
What is the regional price coefficient for Portsmouth?+
Pricing for Portsmouth is adjusted by a regional coefficient of ×0.95 (national average = 1.00). Against a national range of £1,470 – £4,725, the local estimate for Portsmouth works out to £1,350 – £4,300. This coefficient reflects regional logistics costs, demand from local sectors (notably naval defence), and depot stock availability nearby.
Which neighbouring towns are served from the same depot as Portsmouth?+
From the Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port (PO2) depot, we deliver to Portsmouth and the neighbouring towns: Gosport, Fareham, Havant, Waterlooville. Any other town in Hampshire remains accessible with a per-kilometre surcharge based on road distance. To check availability for your postcode (PO1, PO2, PO3, PO4…), request a free quote in just a few clicks.
Why does a brand new 20-foot shipping container cost 30-50% more than a Grade A used one?+
New steel, new paint, 5-year warranty, lifespan of 25+ years vs. 15 years for a Grade A used container. Over 10 years amortised, the annual cost is comparable. For habitable conversion or resale, brand new is profitable.
What's the difference with a one-trip shipping container?+
Brand new has made no maritime journey. One-trip has made one trip from China to Europe (3-6 months). Near identical appearance, but one-trip costs about 5-10% less. For resale, brand new retains its value better.
Can a brand new 20-foot shipping container be ordered in a specific colour?+
Yes through direct factory order (minimum 10 units, delivery time 12-14 weeks). At European depot, limited choice to RAL 5010, RAL 7016, RAL 9005, RAL 6005. Repainting yourself: expect £200-£400 for materials.
Does the new price include VAT?+
Yes in the UK, VAT at 20% included in displayed prices (unless stated export). For VAT-registered businesses, reclaimable according to your regime. VAT-free quote possible on request.
What is the delivery time for a brand new 20-foot container in stock?+
5-10 working days from major European depots (Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Hamburg). Direct factory order: 8-14 weeks (marine transport included).
How to recognise a genuine one-trip from a fake?+
CSC plate dated the current year or N-1, intact seals, paint without deep scratches, wooden floor without stains. Ask for the CSC plate and container number — serious professionals provide this systematically.
Why buy a one-trip rather than new?+
Savings of 10-15% for near-identical visual quality. The only true 'plus' of new is the 5-year manufacturer warranty (vs 1-2 years in one-trip). If you plan to customise heavily, a one-trip will suffice.
Geographical availability of one-trip?+
More available at high traffic ports (Felixstowe, Southampton, Rotterdam). Less common in regional UK ports. Lead time 5-10 days in stock, up to 30 days if needed from elsewhere.
What depreciation on resale?+
20-25% over 5 years with standard maintenance. Faster to resell than new due to lower entry price. Active market on eBay UK, Gumtree and pro marketplaces.
Which class to choose for long-term storage?+
Class A if the container will be visible (window display, professional reception). Class B if stored out of sight. Class C is best avoided in the long term: seals are worn and waterproofing becomes uncertain after 2-3 years.
Is a used 20-foot container really watertight?+
Class A and B: yes, 'wind & water tight' guarantee included by serious suppliers. Class C: inspect before purchase — check the roof with a torch inside or during rain.
How much does delivery of a used 20-foot container cost?+
Between €250 and €900 depending on the area and distance from the depot. Allow at least 22 m clear access for the crane truck, and a load-bearing surface (concrete, compacted gravel).
Is there a warranty on used containers?+
Yes, 12-24 months waterproofing guarantee with referenced professionals (classes A and B). On the free market (individuals, marketplaces), no warranty — sold as is, at your own risk.
Can one resell a used 20-foot class A container?+
Yes, the secondary market is active. Expected depreciation of 20-30% over five years in class A if properly maintained. Repaint every 3-5 years to preserve value.
What is the difference between Class A and one-trip?+
The 'one-trip' has made ONE maritime journey from China to Europe (3-6 months), it is almost brand new. Grade A has been in use for 5-10 years: shows signs of use, but the structure remains intact. One-trip = +30 to +50 % vs Grade A.
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