Modified container modules have seen a rise in their use for industrial applications across a wide range of industries. Their strong structure and easily modifiable interiors and exteriors have made them a popular choice for many projects. They can be perfect for projects that require specialized equipment or protection requirements for remote locations and as add-ons to existing sites. While their use is on the rise, a large sector of people is still unfamiliar with them and the benefits of modified shipping containers.

Armoda manufactures custom-modified containers for our customers around the globe. This article will give an overview of what exactly modified shipping containers are, where they are deployed, the types of containers you will regularly run across, and the benefits they offer versus traditional builds.

What are Modified Container Modules?

Modified shipping container modules began as standard shipping containers like a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) shipping container or DNV (Den Norske Veritas) module. These containers are then modified to change the exterior or add interior elements to suit the customer's requirements. Because there are a wide variety of modules and they start as blank slates, the modifications that can be made to them are extensive. For example, they can be modified for use as additional living quarters for work on remote locations, additional server capacity at a local tech company's campus, or as a workshop or tool room on offshore platforms. Depending on the project requested, modifications can cover a wide range of items, including:

Exterior Modifications to Shipping Containers:

• Doors
• Windows
• Rolling Bay Doors
• HVAC
• Lighting

Interior Modifications to Shipping Containers:

• Utilities (Showers, Toilets, Sinks)
• Beds
• Desks
• Electrical Outlets
• IT Equipment
• Storage Racks
• Laboratory Equipment

Where are modified shipping containers used?

Modified shipping containers can be outfitted for a broad range of applications. Because of this, they are found in many different industries, including:

• Oil and Gas (offshore and onshore)
• Military
• First Responder
• IT / Technology
• Construction
• Farming and Agriculture
• Emergency Recovery
• Refinery
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Healthcare
• Residential

What types of shipping containers are there?

• Restroom Modules
• Shower Modules
• Lab Modules
• Tool Room Modules
• Storage Modules
• Water Treatment Modules
• Onshore Living Quarters
• Offshore Equipment Housing and Storage

Why choose a Modified Shipping Container?

Modified shipping containers bring a few key advantages over traditionally constructed structures and buildings:

Modified Shipping Containers are Portable

Because the entire design of the module is based around the structure of a shipping container, these modules can be transported from location to location. With lifting points for cranes and forklifts, these modules make it easy to load onto a trailer and move to the next location. Portability is especially helpful when working in oil and gas, emergency recovery, military, and construction applications, as these industries require units that move with them.

Modified Shipping Containers Are Customizable

The ability to customize a module to a broad range of different purposes makes them the right choice for many applications. Some examples that we've seen include crew accommodations on a drilling site in West Texas, shower or utility houses for a disaster recovery project, or even storing and protecting server equipment. Modified shipping containers can be customized to meet a project's requirements.

Modifying Shipping Containers Can Cost Less

Modified shipping containers provide a lower-cost alternative than traditional new build modules. Having the structure of the module already fabricated reduces the cost dramatically. In addition, depending on where these are to be installed and the design specifications, detailed engineering may not be required, which can further reduce costs.

Shipping Containers are Resilient

Shipping containers are constructed to be able to weather the harsh marine environment while protecting the cargo they hold. As the base structure for the modified modules, this resiliency is part of the foundation of every module. In addition, their resiliency allows the modules to be used in remote locations that are often contending with extreme weather. Like equipment storage on offshore facilities or hot summers on a construction site – these modules are resilient and ideal for protecting the people and equipment they accommodate.

Use Modified Shipping Containers To Reduce Lead Times

The modification and customization of shipping container modules begins with a fully constructed container. Starting there provides the manufacturer a significant head start on construction as the time-consuming design and construction of the structural elements have already been completed. With only modifications to the module, the construction time is significantly reduced compared to traditional building techniques.

Can Modified Shipping Containers Meet Your Needs? 

Modified shipping container modules are fully customizable buildings manufactured to meet the end user's exact needs, and full engineering design is available. They are used for a broad range of applications and support numerous industries. Some modifications include restrooms, server rooms, and even housing. All while providing custom, portable, resilient modules in a shorter manufacturing timeline at a typically reduced cost. Contact us today if you have questions about modified shipping container modules and how they can support your application or project. The Armoda team has designed and built modified modules to support a broad range of projects and industries.