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Container liners

Shipping container insulation with container liners (also known as thermal container liners or container insulation liners) to insulate a sea container: for 20-foot, 40-foot and HC containers, the affordable alternative to reefer containers for temperature-sensitive sea freight. The sizes per container type are listed at a glance. Unsure whether to choose a liner or fixed panels, or want to know how to prevent container rain? Read what happens to your cargo en route.

Other names for a container liner

A container liner is also called an insulated container liner, shipping container liner, container thermal liner, thermal container liner, container insulation liner, ocean container liner or thermal liner. The topic is also searched for as container insulation, insulation for shipping container, sea container insulation or insulating a shipping container from the inside. In every case it refers to the insulating lining on the inside of a sea container.

Looking for another name for this product? You will find all names in our glossary.

Since 1972

Own production in Europe

Shipped before 2:00 PM

From our own stock

Custom solutions + advice

Response within 1 day

Directly from stock

4 products available for immediate delivery.

For food and pharmaceuticals

Complies with EU food safety guidelines.

Order on invoice

Business customers: 30-day terms, request by e-mail.

4 products
Sea container insulation liner 40HC (1200 × 233 × 269 cm)

Sea container insulation liner 40HC (1200 × 233 × 269 cm)

from €338,69
Sea container insulation liner 20DV (589 × 233 × 233 cm)

Sea container insulation liner 20DV (589 × 233 × 233 cm)

from €217,62
Sea container insulation liner 45HC (1335 × 233 × 269 cm)

Sea container insulation liner 45HC (1335 × 233 × 269 cm)

from €408,89
Sea container insulation liner 40DV (1200 × 233 × 233 cm)

Sea container insulation liner 40DV (1200 × 233 × 233 cm)

from €304,28

Container insulation liners: insulate a sea container without a reefer

Want to insulate a sea container without the cost of a refrigerated reefer container? Our container liners (thermal container liners) are designed to protect products in transit in sea containers (20ft, 40ft and HC). They limit temperature swings caused by sunshine, heat and cold weather on long sea freight routes. An affordable alternative for anyone who wants to insulate a container but does not need active cooling.

Besides flexible liners, sea container insulation is also done with insulation boards or container insulation panels against the wall and ceiling. A liner has the advantage that it insulates the whole cargo space in one go: quick to fit, reusable and with no assembly. That lets you insulate a container against heat and frost with minimal handling.

When to use a liner?

For cargo that cannot go directly in a refrigerated reefer container, but is temperature sensitive. Much cheaper than a reefer container, and suitable for temperature-controlled goods that do not need strict cooling.

Uses

Wine, oil, chocolate, cosmetics, electronics and any product sensitive to heat (up to 60 °C in a container in summer) or frost (on winter routes). The liner limits those extremes.

Installation guide

See the installation guide for the thermal container liner (PDF): 9 steps with photos, from unrolling the liner on the container floor to zipping up the door curtain.

Guides & advice: Container liners

In practice

A sea container lined with a thermal container liner — constant temperature on long sea freight, an affordable alternative to reefer containers

Frequently asked questions

How can you insulate a shipping container?
The fastest way to insulate a sea container is with a container liner: a thermal cover that is hung on the inside of the container and shields the entire loading area in one go. An alternative is to insulate a container with insulation boards or container insulation panels on the walls and ceiling, but this takes more installation time. A liner is reusable and ready for immediate use.
Does a liner keep the container chilled?
No, a liner is passive insulation. It limits temperature fluctuations but does not actively cool. For strictly refrigerated transport, use a reefer.
How much difference does it make?
In summer, a container without a liner can reach internal temperatures of 60 °C or more. With a liner, the temperature stays closer to the outside temperature, typically 10 to 20 °C cooler in hot conditions.
Combine with desiccant bags?
Highly recommended. The liner prevents temperature spikes, while desiccant bags absorb moisture. Together, they suit long sea freight shipments.
Why is a container liner cheaper than a reefer container?
A reefer is an actively cooled container: you pay for the refrigeration unit, the onboard power and a higher sea freight rate. A container liner is passive: you buy it once and hang it in a standard dry container. For cargo that does not need to stay strictly within a temperature window but does need protection from heat and frost, that saves a large part of the transport costs.
Which container liner sizes are available?
We supply liners for 20DV (589 × 233 × 233 cm), 40DV (1200 × 233 × 233 cm), 40HC (1200 × 233 × 269 cm) and 45HC (1335 × 233 × 269 cm). Non-standard sizes are made on request, because we produce ourselves.
How do you install a container liner?
The liner is unrolled on the container floor, hung up against the walls and ceiling and closed at the doors with a door blanket. No tools are needed and nothing on the container itself has to be modified. The installation guide describes nine steps with photos.
Does a container liner fit every dry container?
The liner is made for standard dry containers in sizes 20DV, 40DV, 40HC and 45HC. For open top, flat rack or a non-standard build, we make a liner to measure.
Is a container liner reusable?
Yes, with careful handling a liner lasts several voyages. In practice it depends on whether the liner comes back: with one-way shipments to a customer it usually stays behind and that advantage is lost.
Does a container liner also protect against frost?
Yes. The liner works both ways: it slows warming on hot routes and cooling on winter routes. It does not heat or cool actively, but it dampens the extremes on both sides.
What cargo is a container liner suitable for?
For cargo sensitive to heat, frost or condensation: wine, oil, chocolate, cosmetics and electronics, and hygroscopic products such as coffee, cocoa, rice and wood products. Not for cargo that must stay strictly within a temperature window; that requires a reefer.
What is a container liner made of?
Aluminium-coated bubble film. The reflective outer layer blocks radiant heat, and the air chambers in the film form the insulating layer.
What is the difference between a container liner and insulation panels?
Insulation boards or panels are fixed against the wall and ceiling and stay in the container. That takes installation time and makes the container permanently heavier. A liner you hang in and take out again, and it can go with you to the next container.
Can a container liner be made to measure?
Yes. We produce ourselves, so non-standard dimensions and versions are possible. Request a quote with the inner dimensions of the container.
Does a container liner take up cargo space?
Hardly. The film is a few millimetres thick and lies against the walls, so the loss of loading volume is negligible. The weight of the liner does count towards the total cargo weight.

Questions or need a custom solution?

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On invoiceFor business customers

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