Exploring Different Types of Side-Opening Shipping Containers
Why Choose Side-Opening Shipping Containers?
Side-opening shipping containers are incredibly versatile, offering unique advantages for storage, transport, and modification. They are particularly useful for businesses that require easy access to large or awkwardly shaped items. Whether you need a container for retail, construction, or personal storage, side-opening options can be tailored to fit your exact requirements. They offer the ability for a container to be placed into different settings that may not be applicable to a standard shipping container as the doors are in a bad position. This opens up the possibility of a shipping container to more people who can take advantage of their brilliant versatility.
Whether you're looking for easier loading, enhanced security, or custom modifications, here's a look at the different types of side-opening containers available:
1. Simple Side Doors
These containers feature doors that open along the side length of the container, providing quick and easy access to your stored goods. This most simplest of transformation begins by the removal of the container doors, placing them on the customers designated side and placement. We then panel up the original door space. However, we do offer customers the option of simply adding a new set of doors to which ever side they wish. This solution is Perfect for when front-end loading isn’t practical.
2. Personnel Doors
Another simplistic solution. Ideal for containers used as offices or workshops, personnel doors offer a convenient entry point without needing to open the larger side doors. They are typically secure and insulated, providing an efficient way to enter and exit the container. A simple modification, that allows brilliant personnel access. Pairing this with a set of windows and you have the start of a full working office or workshop. This offers a versatile work place that can be moved at a moments notice.
Another option that we have shown below is multiple personnel doors, that have been separated to create multi-room storage solution. A fantastic solution for storage facilities offering rental options. We have made shipping container motorbike storage, using this system, a brilliant example of ingenious container solutions!
3. Bi-Fold Full Opening Doors
A more premium option that we have created for some of the the worlds leading companies are our Bi-fold opening door system. Allowing the entire side of the container to open up, making it easy to load large or bulky items. This feature is excellent for businesses that need fast and unrestricted access to the entire interior of the container. We created this system for Siemens systems, for storing large size items that needed to be accessed from the a length side. Allowing for container Forklift access to the unit. They also look smart and have brilliant versatility for other storage options.
4. Curtain-Sided Containers
Curtain-sided containers feature a flexible, retractable side panel that can be pulled back to reveal the entire side of the container. This option is perfect for loading large items quickly while still providing a weatherproof and secure environment. They are easily replaceable if an accident was to occur and they can also be easily maintained, through cleaning and possible replacement. This will ensure they look fresh and suitable for branding.
The picture below is an example of work committed by ourselves here at Century Containers for Linxon-Hitachi at Hinckley C Nuclear power plant, as well as Foregales Engineering:
5. Drop Down with a Platform
Here Is another interesting Design that we created for BOXBAR. A full side drop down, with a platform attached. This was created by cutting out the full length side of a 20' shipping container, attaching it onto Hinges and winching it down from a center post created in the middle of the container. We then created a platform standing area for the bars customers to use whilst at events. This side opening container was very impressive to view and created fantastic functionality for the users. Just showing that side opening containers can come in all forms!
6. Other Custom Options
Beyond standard options, shipping containers can be customized with a range of side-access solutions to meet specific needs. These include roller shutter doors, barn doors, or even fully detachable sides for maximum access. We have an example Of a shutter door created by the team:
