Steel Shipping Container’s Lifespan

Freight containers are heavy-duty steel-made structures expected to live a long and resilient life in the high and low tides of the sea. The question is, how long is the shipping container’s lifespan? Many say that the average lifespan of a shipping container is 25-30 years. Are you thinking of investing in cargo containers for your project? Let’s delve deeper into the actual lifespan of metal shipping containers to decide how long you can expect your steel shipping container lifespan to be:

How long is shipping containers’ lifespan?

Container traders or manufacturers denote the average lifespan of new maritime containers in trade to be only for 10-12 years. The hard life of trade takes its toll on resiliency. They suffer significant visible damage like dents, rusts, scratches, leakages, etc. Does that mean one cannot use them after only 10-12 years of manufacturing?

This might have been true back in time. Steel cargo containers were recycled or scrapped when one could not use them further. But, from the 1990s onwards, marine containers are seeing increasingly innovative use cases from storm shelters to swimming pools.

Can they last to 25-30 long years? Yes! With proper care and maintenance, they can give service longer than that.

What affects their lifespan?

Steel shipping containers are strong and resilient by nature. This characteristic is the one that prolongs their life to a certain extent. That does not mean nothing can harm them throughout their life cycle. Many factors expose the containers to the risk of damage. The factors that have a significant effect on the lifespan of cargo units include the following:

• Climate
• Natural Elements
• Accidents
• Intermodal transport

How can you ensure the long life of your container project?

Freight containers are excellent construction with unique durability limits. But, they do succumb to the ‘elements,’ so to speak. In case you are looking for ways to prolong the durability; you need to check the below-mentioned factors:

Proper Maintenance

Frequent inspection and proper maintenance are the secrets to extending your freight box’s lifespan beyond expected limits. Shipping containers need extensive care to maintain their ideal longevity. But, how do you care for your cargo box?

Let’s check out a few proven methods of maintenance that can stretch your unit’s longevity beyond your expectation:

Weatherproof Your Container

Maritime containers are steel-made structures. But, they are pretty vulnerable to the attacks of constant wet weather. Moisture is not conducive to the health of their steel structure. It is imperative to weatherproof the steel structure to prolong its life. Weatherproof paint is a great way to ensure that the box is safe from the attack of moisture. The paint will also help fend off corrosion.

Ward off Rust

Rust is one of the most potent catalysts to the deterioration of any steel structure, and freight units are no different. Several factors invite rust on a steel structure, from moisture to dents to leaks to dust. It is necessary to continuously check the condition of the box and protect it from the elements above. In case there is rust, it is good to treat them immediately.

Keep the Hinges Well Oiled

The hinge of the metal shipping container door is very prone to rust or malfunction, given the constant friction. It is prudent to keep the doors lubricated or oiled to prevent rust or malfunction. A well-working door can keep the interior from catching corrosion.