In service container

Containers that are in use are called in service containers. For these containers there are several inspections that may be required, depending on the final location of the container and the transport to it. For convenience we have divided the inspections in three categories:

  • CSC- inspection in service
  • In service inspections offshore container according to NEN-EN-ISO 10855-3:2018
  • In service inspections onshore containers

Please note that a container may have to comply with several categories. For example: an offshore container that is transported by international transport from Amsterdam to Barcelona to be lifted on board a ship. A valid CSC inspection and an offshore inspection are required.

Therefore, always be aware of how the container will be transported and do not only pay attention to the final destination, in order to avoid delays or standstills in the transport. Would you like advice or do you have a question about this, feel free to contact us.

CSC-inspection in service

If your container has already undergone a CSC inspection at the time of manufacture, this will be valid for a maximum of 5 years, after which the CSC legislation prescribes the following:

The time lapse from the date of manufacture to the date of the first inspection must not exceed five years. Subsequent inspections of new containers and re-inspections of existing containers shall take place at intervals of not more than 30 months. All inspections shall verify whether the container has any defects that could endanger anyone.

(Source: provision 2;d, https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBV0003233/2014-07-01#Verdrag_2 )

We can carry out this inspection for you on location so that your container always complies with the international CSC legislation.

In service inspections offshore container

If a container is transported offshore, it must comply with the international standard NEN-EN-ISO 10855-3:2018, which prescribes three types of inspection:

  • Visual inspection
  • Non-Destructive Examination
  • Lifting test

Visuele inspection:

The standard writes the following about the visual inspection:

‘The visual inspection shall cover the exterior and interior of the container without load to determine whether the container is suitable for its intended use. All load-bearing parts, in particular the basic structure, shall be inspected. For containers with fixed equipment, the inspection body shall determine whether access to the load-bearing parts is adequate.

The inspection shall be carried out in a situation where there is sufficient lighting and other facilities to enable the inspection to be conducted safely and effectively. The facility must include suitable means for lifting and supporting the container for the purpose of bottom-end inspection.’’ (bron: NEN-EN-ISO 10855-3:2018)

This visual inspection includes the following aspects:

  • Markings on the container
  • The welds in the primary construction
  • The welds around the lifting eyes
  • Both the primary and secondary structure of the container for deformations, holes, corrosion & other type of damage.
  • The working function of the door
  • The floor

The interval of visual inspection is maximum 12 months.

NDT examination:

The standard writes the following about the NDT examination:

‘The NDT examination of the welds on the lifting eyes and adjacent structures shall be carried out according to the schedule of examination and testing specified in table 1.’’ (bron: NEN-EN-ISO 10855-3:2018)

We can perform the NDT examination by 3 types of methods:

  • Magnetic testing
  • Eddy current testing
  • Penetrant testing

In addition to the NDT inspection, the container is also visually inspected extensively to ensure that it still complies with the requirements.

Load test with additional NDT examination:

In case a repair or modification has taken place, the container must be tested again with an additional NDT inspection. This can be done on location or in our workshop, depending on the weight of the container to be tested. We can also do this for you. If you have any doubts, please contact us.