The primary difference lies in the standardization, construction, and versatility of ISO tankers compared to normal tankers. ISO tankers are built to international standards for intermodal transport, while normal tankers can refer to various tank types, often designed for specific purposes or regions.
Here's a breakdown:
Key Differences Between ISO Tankers and Normal Tankers
| Feature | ISO Tanker | Normal Tanker |
|---|---|---|
| Standardization | Built to ISO standards, allowing seamless transport across different modes (road, rail, sea). | May adhere to local or industry-specific standards, limiting intermodal capabilities. |
| Construction | Features reinforced walls, internal baffles, and secure fittings for safe transport of diverse liquids, gases, and powders. | Construction varies depending on the intended cargo. May not have the same level of reinforcement or safety features as ISO tanks. |
| Versatility | Designed to carry a wide range of hazardous and non-hazardous materials without significant modifications. The versatility of ISO tank containers is attributed to their specialized construction. | Often designed for specific types of cargo (e.g., milk, gasoline) and may require extensive modifications to carry different materials. |
| Intermodality | Readily transferable between ships, trains, and trucks due to standard size and corner castings. | May not be easily transferable between different modes of transport, depending on their design and size. |
| Example Uses | Transporting chemicals, food-grade liquids, pharmaceuticals, and liquefied gases globally. | Transporting bulk liquids like gasoline, milk, or water within a specific region or for a specific industry. |
In essence, an ISO tanker is a specialized, standardized tank container built for intermodal transport of a wide variety of products, while a "normal tanker" is a more general term that encompasses various types of tanks that may not adhere to international standards or offer the same level of versatility.
