@Risk

Standardized shipping containers have been in use for more than 50 years, and at this point, they’re a supply chain component most of us just take for granted. However, if you stop for a minute and give it some consideration, you’ll certainly come to realize that standardized containerization has had a dramatic effect on international trade –“making the world smaller and the world economy bigger,” as Marc Levinson says.

But even so, not much has changed with the simple iron box conceived fifty years ago.

Well, not much has changed. . . until now.

Earlier this month, Gizmag introduced its readers to the Cargoshell, an innovative collapsible shipping container (pictured above) that may revolutionize international trade once again.

In the article, Mike Hanlon points out that this collapsible container –the brainchild of Dutch businessman and entrepreneur René Giesbers –has multiple benefits, including:

• Since its collapses to one-quarter of its original size, four empty Cargoshells can be transported together in the space normally required for one empty “traditional” steel container. (Based on data from its home Port of Rotterdam, Cargoshell estimates that space-saving like this could result in the elimination of 10,000 trips each year –an important consideration in light of recent industry cutbacks.)

• The Cargoshell also saves space because it utilizes a roller-door instead of the traditional side-by-side container door. That means Cargoshells can be stacked closer together, without concern for the extra space needed to open the doors.

• Thanks to its composite construction, the Cargoshell is 25 percent lighter than its steel counterpart. It also has less of an environmental impact –both in manufacture and with regard to lifetime maintenance.

• The composite construction also offers better quality control and improved tracking and monitoring.

There are some drawbacks, however. For instance, Hanlon reports that one of the biggest obstacles Cargoshell needs to overcome is price. Currently, the Cargoshell costs about three times as much as a steel container. (I’m also somewhat concerned about security with the roller-door.)

In any case, it’s going to be fascinating to watch as the story of this ingenious shipping container develops, adding innovation and an eco-friendly twist to the otherwise “humdrum” world of shipping containers.