Each year, countless tons of cargo are stored and transported across the globe in shipping containers. In fact, cargo ships carry more than 80% of the global volume of trade each year.[1] As of 2019, the international liner shipping industry transported 11 billion tons of goods worth approximately $14 trillion in millions of containers.[2]
Safely transporting cargo is a top priority in container shipping. Unfortunately, shipping container condensation presents an immense challenge for anyone transporting goods with shipping containers. The resulting moisture damage can lead to thousands or even millions in losses.
Learn more about shipping container condensation and what you can do to protect your cargo and your bottom line.
What Causes Shipping Container Condensation?
Shipping container condensation is any moisture that collects on the inside of a shipping container while it’s being stored or transported.
So, why does this condensation occur? When the air inside a shipping container has reached its dew point, it can no longer contain moisture. This moisture is attracted to the interior walls of your container in the form of condensation.
There are several factors that can contribute to shipping container condensation, including:
- Temperature – Fluctuating temperatures can cause the air inside your shipping container to reach its dew point, which leads to condensation inside the container. Temperatures can fluctuate from day to night or climate to climate.
- Air Space – The more open space there is in your shipping container, the easier it is for moisture to collect. Air holds moisture, so more open air space means you’re more likely to experience container condensation.
- Ventilation – A lack of ventilation leaves moisture trapped inside shipping containers with nowhere to go. Condensation won’t form when the interior and exterior temperatures are similar, so proper ventilation is important.
- Cargo moisture content – If you’re shipping cargo that has a naturally high moisture content, condensation is more likely. Materials that can absorb and release moisture into the air include paper, cardboard, wood, and chilled foods and beverages.
- Container usage – Several little factors can affect the amount of shipping container condensation you experience. These factors include:
- How often the doors are opened
- How often your shipping container is loaded and unloaded
- The time of day and weather when your container was loaded
What Is Container Rain?
Container rain is when condensation collects on the top of the inside of a shipping container. As this condensation builds up, it eventually drips down onto the cargo below as a result of gravity. Container rain is the biggest concern when it comes to moisture.
How Much Damage Can Shipping Container Condensation Cause?
Shipping container condensation is harmful no matter where it forms, causing damage that can cost you a fortune. Some of the problems condensation can cause include:
- Mold and mildew
- Corrosion
- Warping
- Deterioration of packaging
- Shipping container damage
- Caking of dry and powdered goods
While one incident may be manageable, repeated losses over time can devastate a business. And cases of cargo loss aren’t isolated; an estimated 10% of all containerized goods are discarded due to moisture-related damages.[3]
Measuring Shipping Container Condensation Levels
The first step to eliminating shipping container condensation is measuring moisture levels inside your shipping container. You can use a remote sensor in your shipping container to monitor moisture levels in real time from anywhere.
Smart sensors allow you to track temperatures and moisture levels as your cargo moves toward its destination, so you know as soon as you’ve got a problem.
If you’ve used a sensor and identified moisture problems inside your shipping containers, it’s not too late to take action to protect future shipments.
6 Ways to Prevent Shipping Container Condensation
There’s no way to entirely eliminate moisture inside shipping containers — especially with fluctuating temperatures during global shipping. Fortunately, you can use these six tips to keep your cargo dry and avoid sensitive cargo damage.
1. Choose the right pallets
The pallets you’re using might be contributing to high moisture levels inside your shipping container. Wood pallets that are made from fresh lumber need time to dry before being used in a shipping container. Even if your pallets aren’t made from new lumber, they can absorb moisture from the air if they are stored in a cool or moist area.
Using plastic pallets is an easy way to minimize moisture. There are also absorbent blankets that can protect pallets of cargo from moisture.
2. Use desiccants
Desiccants use adsorption to remove excess moisture from the air, keeping your shipping container dry and reducing the risk of container rain. Desiccants are available in several forms, including:
- Desiccant bags – Desiccant bags hang from the interior walls to trap moisture inside a shipping container, helping to lower the dew point and reduce the risk of condensation forming.
- Desiccant blankets – Desiccant blankets can be draped over the top of cargo to protect against condensation and container rain. A leak-proof design keeps moisture from traveling downward and damaging cargo.
- Desiccant pads – You can use desiccant pads to line the bottom of chilled goods and beverages. If there’s a spill or leak, the desiccant pads will absorb the moisture and minimize damage.
3. Consider dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers can be a smart solution if you use shipping containers for storage. If you have a power source nearby your shipping container, try running a dehumidifier inside the container to eliminate moisture.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to check and empty your dehumidifier regularly if you don’t have a hose set up for drainage.
4. Use insulation
Insulating shipping containers prevents extreme temperature fluctuations that can lead to condensation. As long as the contents of your container are warmer than the dew point, condensation shouldn’t be an issue.
5. Ventilate your shipping container
Is your shipping container ventilated properly? Proper ventilation helps equalize interior and exterior temperatures to reduce the likelihood of condensation.
Ventilation isn’t always the right answer — especially if you’re shipping or storing goods in a moist climate. If the air is filled with moisture, ventilation will bring that moisture in.
6. Look for container damage
As tough and durable as they may seem, shipping containers can get damaged. Check your shipping container to see if there are any cracks or holes that might let moisture in. Significant damage may mean it’s time for a new shipping container.
Stop Shipping Container Condensation with Eurolog Packing Group
Protecting your cargo is crucial, and stopping condensation is a major part of that. Using desiccants, non-absorbent pallets, and insulation can help you save millions in potential losses.
Eurolog Packing Group makes it easy to find the ideal shipping solutions for your needs. With several preexisting and custom solutions, we can help you put a stop to condensation so you can rest easy knowing your cargo will safely reach its destination.
Sandra Malouf
Sandra Malouf is the President of Eurolog Packing Group and has spent her career focused on Industrial Packaging. With a proven track record of helping businesses avoid supply chain disruptions, Sandra’s visionary leadership elevates the industry. She’s committed to developing sustainable practices and continues to shape the future of industrial packaging by listening to the customer and offering unique solutions applicable to various industries across the world. The company’s main focus is temperature stabilization and moisture damage prevention in exports affected by extreme variations in global temperatures.
