Used tank container: ISO 6870 bulk liquid tanker
A used tank is an ISO 6870 bulk liquid tanker housed in a standard 20-foot frame — volume of 24-26 m³ for transporting bulk liquids. The secondary market is driven by agrochemicals (wine, concentrated fruit juices, oils) and specialty chemicals (diluted acids, glycols). A five-year inspection (hydraulic pressure test) is mandatory — a used tank without an up-to-date test cannot be sold.
Price 2026 by status
A used tank is an ISO 6870 bulk liquid tanker housed in a standard 20-foot frame — volume of 24-26 m³ for transporting bulk liquids. The secondary market is driven by agrochemicals (wine, concentrated fruit juices, oils) and specialty chemicals (diluted acids, glycols). A five-year inspection (hydraulic pressure test) is mandatory — a used tank without an up-to-date test cannot be sold.
| Status | Price Excl. VAT | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| Used stainless steel tank 316L food grade (wines, juices) | £6,024 – £18,900 | Bulk wine making, concentrated juices, dairy products |
| Used epoxy-coated steel tank (standard chemicals) | £8,033 – £26,250 | Diluted acids, glycols, non-aggressive solvents |
| Used heated or insulated tank (sensitive goods) | £12,049 – £36,750 | Solidifying oils, liquid chocolate, syrups |
Excluding specific delivery (ADR transport if tank classified). Five-year test (CSC + IMDG) required. Tank decontamination before purchase if changing products.
For whom?
Consider a tank for compatible wine, juice or chemicals, according to its design and approvals for the planned transport. Have the supplier and carrier confirm material, cargo history, cleaning/decontamination, tests and documents. Price any change-of-product treatment separately from the tank itself. Indicative cleaning/decontamination allowance when changing cargo, to confirm separately in the quote: £1,575 – £4,200.
Key points to remember
- ISO 6870 stainless steel 316L tank (food grade) or epoxy-coated steel (chemicals)
- Usable volume 24-26 m³ (depending on product density)
- Standard 20-foot ISO frame — handled by twist-lock
- Service pressure 4 bar, pressure test 6 bar every 5 years (mandatory)
- Top/bottom valves with PTFE or EPDM gaskets according to product
Frequently Asked Questions
What hazardous products can be transported in used tanks?+
Tank suitability depends on the exact substance, UN number, material and applicable approvals and tests. Have a dangerous-goods specialist and carrier confirm compatibility, cleaning, pressure, documents and route rules. A hazard class alone cannot require a new tank or establish that a used tank complies.
How much does it cost to decontaminate a used tank between two products?+
Simple decontamination (water + food-grade detergent): £840 – £1,575. Chemical decontamination (change ADR class): £2,625 – £4,725 with an ADR-3.5 certificate. To switch from a chemical product to a food product: recommend NOT doing so, or require complete cleaning + gasket replacement.
Pressure test every 5 years: what can cause a used tank to fail?+
Four main causes: (1) internal pitting corrosion in the tank (old acid), (2) micro-cracks on longitudinal welds / rivets, (3) leaking valve gaskets at 6 bar pressure, (4) 20-foot frame deformed after port impacts. A failed tank is scrapped — dry loss.
Used tank for hire vs purchase: what to choose?+
For < 6 months of use or < 8 rotations/year: prefer hiring (£201 – £630/month depending on product). For weekly rotation or permanent use: amortise a used purchase over 5-7 years. A hired heating tank is more cost-effective than purchasing due to externalised technical maintenance.
Receive up to 5 quotes subject to supplier availability
Your request may be sent to up to 5 matching partners, subject to availability. Quote numbers and timing depend on suppliers; confirm their terms in writing.