ISO Container Conversion for Vessel Installation

Middlesbrough

Container Case Study

Lion Containers delivered a fully modified ISO container for installation on a vessel in Middlesbrough. The client required a high specification, insulated, and secure ISO container, built to perform reliably in a marine environment.

Key Specifications

The project began with a new (once shipped) 20ft ISO container. The Lion team removed the original cargo doors and installed a 600mm x 600mm emergency exit door alongside a 910mm x 2065mm security personnel door. This personnel door featured a push bar exit mechanism and an external handle, providing safe and reliable access. To maintain ISO transport standards and vessel compatibility, both doors were recessed within the ISO container’s original structure.

To enhance durability, Lion Containers overlaid the original marine plywood floor with a tough, low-maintenance Black Walnut vinyl finish. This created a clean, resilient surface, ideal for operational use on board a vessel.

A steel partition replaced the original cargo door opening inside the container, providing secure mounting points for the client’s air conditioning units. Additionally, another partition divided the high-voltage area, with an internal personnel door granting controlled access to this critical section of the container. For essential transformer maintenance, Lion Containers also created a removable, sealed access panel, ensuring both security and ease of servicing.

Electrical Installation and Cable Management

For cable management, the Lion team installed two Roxtec cable transits into the ISO container. These included blocks to handle the incoming high-voltage supply, outgoing deck umbilical, 230V mains power, and communications cabling. This installation kept the ISO container fully compliant with vessel electrical standards. The entire ISO container was insulated using 50mm Rockwool ProRox SL920 insulation, providing reliable thermal and acoustic performance for marine applications. To complete the interior, Lion Containers lined all surfaces with melamine-faced chipboard, delivering a durable and professional finish.

Internal Lining and Electrical Fit-Out

The team performed a complete internal electrical fit-out for the ISO container. This included fluorescent strip lighting with a minimum IP55 rating, battery-backed emergency lighting above each exit, and illuminated exit signs at all door points. The team installed eight double wall-mounted 230V sockets, type C/F, flush-mounted behind the container lining for a clean and functional finish. The Lion team supplied power through a centralised domestic distribution panel featuring suitable circuit protection devices to meet vessel electrical standards. In addition, they installed dedicated electrical points for the client’s air conditioning systems, along with pre-installed cabling for the future integration of a fire detection system. The team supplied power through a centralised domestic distribution panel featuring suitable circuit protection devices to meet vessel electrical standards. In addition, they installed dedicated electrical points for the client’s air conditioning systems, along with pre-installed cabling for the future integration of a fire detection system.

Once fabrication and electrical works were complete, Lion Containers painted the entire ISO container in RAL 9003, Signal White. This professional finish ensured the ISO container blended seamlessly with other equipment and structures already in place on the vessel.