The transport and logistics company Hoyer has invested in six new containers for transporting liquid carbon dioxide (CO2). For the Hamburg, Germany-based transport and logistics company, this brings its CO2 container fleet to a total of 11 units.
In 2001, Gaslog, the operating unit for gas transports in the Hoyer Group, noticed an increasing demand for CO2 containers in the industry, in particular during summer. As early as spring, customers booked equipment with Hoyer in order to have sufficient capacity available at the start of the beverage season. However, demands were still increasing even outside the peak season. Therefore, in September 2001, the Hoyer Group decided to invest in six additional units.
Due to ongoing developments in equipment technology, the new containers have a low tare weight (7,700 kilograms), but a larger tank capacity (25,000 liters). The tank containers can be equipped with one or two pumps depending on the required filling pressure up to a total pressure of 60 bar. Additional equipment, including a volumeter, will enable precise discharge of part loads and/or small quantities. Thanks to the large capacity and low tare weight, the CO2 containers are a suitable alternative to trailers. These containers can be used for intermodal transports, and Hoyer says the introduction of this equipment abroad will be easier compared with trailers.
The company will use the new containers across Europe, but an overseas transport permit in accordance with the IMDG Code has also been issued for the new equipment. Key customers for the CO2 containers will be the European beverage industry and food industry. Also known as carbonic acid, CO2 is used for many processes such as hardening, freezing, and cooling of food, as well as being a vital component in soft drinks.