Container washing

Washing of marine containers is a technological cleaning of internal surfaces and the container body from cargo residues, contaminants, and dust. The procedure is carried out as needed depending on the type of transported cargo, conditions, and intensity of container use. As a rule, washing is performed after unloading and before loading.

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Which containers does GCS wash

Dry containers

10, 20, 40, and 45-foot of various types, including High Cube, Flat Rack, and Open Top.

Refrigerated containers

10, 20, 40, and 45-foot containers from manufacturers Carrier, Daikin, StarCool, and ThermoKing with gensets (refrigeration equipment).

Tank containers

Specialized tank containers of types T4, T7, T10, T11, T14, T20, T50 for transporting food, chemical, and petroleum products.

Blast freezing containers

10 and 20-foot containers with an intensive cold air flow system for rapid freezing of food products.

Isothermal and special containers

With thermal insulation and design features for transporting specific cargo.

Specifics of Container Washing

Container washing at GCS is carried out both externally and internally, including the treatment of hard-to-reach areas. The washing process includes several stages:

Preparation. The container is placed on a flat, solid surface. If reefer containers or tank containers are to be washed, additional steam treatment is applied.
Rinsing. Cleaning of the container after cargo transportation is performed using a high-pressure water jet (up to 80 °C) with professional cleaning agents that meet sanitary requirements and are approved for processing containers that come into contact with various types of cargo.

The specifics of selecting cleaning agents and equipment depend on the type of container and the type of cargo transported:

For dry and refrigerated containers used in the transportation of food and pharmaceutical products, safe agents are used that eliminate any residual impact on the cargo. High-pressure units with various nozzles, injectors, and spray guns are used for spot and surface cleaning, along with hot water supply systems and professional dosing units.
Washing of tank containers (cisterns) involves the use of alkaline, acidic, and neutral cleaning agents (including chlorine-containing solutions, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hydroxide-based solutions). For internal cleaning, static (spray balls), slot, and rotary cleaning heads or their combinations are used.

Disinfection. Carried out when necessary depending on the type of cargo transported. It is mandatory when preparing containers for international transportation, as well as for food and pharmaceutical cargo.
Drying. After washing and disinfection, surfaces are thoroughly dried to prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms.

If damage is detected on the internal or external surfaces — chips, deep scratches, or corrosion — additional container painting may be performed using a specialized multi-layer technology.

Order Container Cleaning

How to order a container cleaning service?

Step 1 Application submission

The client fills out a short form on the website and submits a request.

Step 2 Assessment of the degree of pollution

Specialists visually inspect the container and determine the category of sanitation depending on the type of contamination and the cargo being transported.

Step 3 Signing of the contract

The list of operations, deadlines, and service cost are agreed upon and documented.

Step 4 Container washing

A full cycle of cleaning and sanitary treatment is carried out in accordance with the requirements of international logistics and sanitary standards.

Step 5 Issuance of documentation

The customer is given a certificate of completed work.

Order Container Cleaning

Professional cleaning of sea containers of any type — inside and out. We use high-pressure equipment and special agents to neutralize odors and cargo residues.

Frequently Asked Questions about Container Washing

How often is it necessary to wash a shipping container?

Container washing is carried out in the presence of contamination, after changing the type of transported products, when preparing the container for inspection, as well as before loading food and medical cargo — in accordance with transportation and sanitary safety requirements.

What safety measures are followed when washing containers?

Wastewater after washing is treated and disinfected in accordance with the applicable environmental protection and sanitary legislation of Ukraine. Before starting work, the container is ventilated to remove possible residues of vapors or substances. Personnel use personal protective equipment: goggles, respirators, and gloves.

How long does it take to wash a container?

The washing itself takes up to 30 minutes. The full cycle, including preparatory work, disinfection, and drying, takes from 2 to 6 hours depending on the type of container and the level of contamination.

What is the price of container washing?

The cost of washing depends on the type of container, the degree and nature of contamination, as well as the need for disinfection of internal surfaces. The exact cost is determined after inspection and assessment of the container's condition by specialists.

About Global container service

Global Container Service is the Ukrainian market leader in the field of terminal services for containers of all types. The company combines an expert team, developed infrastructure and a wide network of partners to provide comprehensive solutions for container logistics.

Our goal — help you develop your business in the field of container transportation, provide it with technical solutions, the necessary service and equipment. We work so that you can optimize costs, increase efficiency, make your business more technically and financially flexible.

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Our certificates

Our employees are certified by international leaders such as Carrier, Daikin, Thermoking, Star Cool and others.