Sea Container Certification

Certification of marine containers is the procedure of confirming the equipment's compliance with technical requirements and safety standards for cargo transportation established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Container certification is required for shipping lines, transport, freight forwarding, and leasing companies to gain access to international and domestic logistics operations. When a container is used for cargo storage, certification is not mandatory; however, it allows verification of its technical condition.

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Why GCS?

International standards

GCS conducts technical inspection in accordance with the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), adopted in 1972 under the auspices of the IMO.

Accredited process

Container inspection is carried out according to approved procedures with the participation of a certification society inspector, with the issuance of a certificate for the container of the established form.

Comprehensive approach

The full range of work for the certification of marine containers in one place: inspection, defect detection, defect correction, testing, issuing documents for the marine container.

Technical base

A modern certified container terminal, equipped with lifting equipment and equipment for diagnostics, repair, and testing.

Specialists' qualifications

Engineers with extensive experience in carrying out comprehensive certification work for 10, 20, 40, 45-foot dry containers for domestic and international freight transportation.

Specifics of Sea Container Certification

Sea containers of 10, 40, 45 and 20 feet are certified by Global Container Service specialists under the PES scheme (Periodic Examination Scheme). The process begins with defect inspection:

checking the tightness of the structure — to successfully pass testing, the container must be watertight when closed;
assessment of structural integrity — a series of strength tests is carried out to confirm the possibility of safe stacking of a loaded container during transportation;
inspection of corner fittings — the ability to withstand forces during sling tension and maximum load capacity is determined, as well as ensuring container stability;
inspection of the condition of the floor, doors, and locking mechanisms.

If defects are identified, restoration of the container’s technical condition is carried out directly at the GCS terminal. After eliminating non-conformities, a final inspection is conducted with the participation of a certification body inspector.

Based on the test results, a CSC certificate is issued. If a 40 ft sea container or a container of any other size fails certification, it is not permitted for use in international transportation.

Order certification of a shipping container

How to obtain a certificate for a shipping container?

Step 1 Application submission

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

Step 2 Defectoscopy

GCS experts conduct an initial inspection and check the condition of the container.

Step 3 Conclusion of the contract

The list of works, deadlines, and prices are agreed upon and documented.

Step 4 Carrying out work

Defect identification, repair, and testing are carried out under the supervision of an inspector.

Step 5 Document processing

The customer is issued a CSC certificate for the sea container in electronic form, and the marking on the container plate is updated.

Order Dry Container Certification

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Container Certification

What is the validity period of a marine container certificate?

Within the framework of the PES scheme, a CSC certificate is issued for a new sea container, which is valid for 5 years. After this period, the container must undergo periodic inspections at least once every 30 months to extend its operational approval.

Is certification required for containers used within the country?

Certification of dry containers is mandatory for international transportation. When using a container within the country, it is generally not required; however, confirming the technical serviceability of the equipment is recommended to ensure safe operation.

Where is the information about certification recorded?

Information about the certification is indicated in the certificate, on the container's plate (CSC-plate), and in the registers of certification societies: BV, DNV GL, and RINA.

Is it necessary to recertify the container after repair?

The need for re-certification depends on the nature of the work performed. If the repair affects load-bearing elements or the structural integrity of the container, a repeated inspection involving an inspector is required. In the case of minor work, an inspection report may be sufficient; however, the final decision is made by the certification body.

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.