Specialist Cargo
What Is a Flexitank?
If you need to ship liquid in bulk — wine, juice, edible oils, non-hazardous chemicals — a flexitank is usually the cheapest, simplest way to do it. It turns an ordinary shipping container into a single sealed tank, with none of the cost or hassle of drums, IBCs or a dedicated tanker. Here’s what a flexitank is, how it works, and when it’s the right choice.
What a flexitank is
A flexitank is a flexible, lightweight, collapsible bladder that sits inside a standard shipping container and holds non-hazardous liquid in bulk. In effect it turns a regular container into a safe, efficient bulk-liquid transport system — you load the liquid in at origin, seal it, ship the container as normal, and pump it out at destination. Because the bladder collapses flat when empty, there’s no bulky tank to reposition afterwards. Atrax supplies flexitanks and guides you on their use so large volumes of liquid move efficiently and arrive intact.
How a flexitank works in a shipping container
The flexitank is fitted into a standard container, which is then handled like any other box in the supply chain — it travels by sea freight, rail or road without special equipment. That’s the whole appeal: you get bulk-liquid economics while still moving through the ordinary container system, so booking, port handling and transport all stay simple. One flexitank replaces the many drums or IBCs you’d otherwise need for the same volume.
At a glance
Flexitank vs isotank
Both move bulk liquid, but they suit different jobs:
• Flexitank — a collapsible bladder inside a standard container. Non-hazardous liquids only. Low cost, no return logistics, ideal for one-way bulk shipments.
• Isotank — a rigid, reusable ISO-framed tank built for ships, rail and trucks. Handles hazardous or non-hazardous liquids, gases and powders. Higher cost and needs repositioning, but reusable and suited to regulated cargo.
As a rule: non-hazardous liquid, one direction → flexitank. Hazardous cargo or repeat tank movements → isotank.
What you can ship in a flexitank
Flexitanks are for non-hazardous liquids: wine and bulk beverages, fruit juices and concentrates, edible oils, and many food-grade and industrial non-hazardous liquids. They’re especially popular for bulk wine and liquor export, where shipping in bulk and bottling at destination cuts cost and breakage. What a flexitank can’t carry is dangerous goods — those need an isotank or specialised packaging instead.
How Atrax supports flexitank shipments
Atrax supplies the flexitank, advises on whether it’s the right fit for your liquid and route, and handles the container booking, loading guidance and onward logistics. The result is a single point of contact for a bulk-liquid shipment from loading to discharge — with the flexitank chosen and fitted correctly so the cargo arrives clean.
Related service
Liquor Logistics
Flexitanks are a core part of how Atrax moves bulk wine, spirits and other liquids — supplied, fitted and shipped end to end.
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Shipping liquid in bulk?
Tell us your liquid, volume and route and we’ll advise whether a flexitank fits — and quote the shipment within 24 hours.