New 20ft Open Side Container: Uses, Conversions and Fit-Out Options

What is a new 20ft Open Side container?

The new 20ft Open Side container is a special maritime container whose side wall opens completely thanks to two hinged doors. This unique design provides full side access to the interior, in addition to the standard double rear doors. Made of Corten steel, it is designed to resist corrosion and bad weather. Its 28 mm marine plywood floor supports heavy loads and intensive use. With its standard ISO dimensions (6,058 mm long, 2,438 mm wide, 2,591 mm high) and an internal volume of around 33 m³, it combines robustness, versatility and compliance with international standards.

Technical specifications of the 20ft Open Side container

This container has precise specifications that determine its uses and fit-out possibilities. Here are the main ones:

• Material: Corten steel, resistant to atmospheric corrosion.
• Floor: 28 mm marine plywood, suitable for forklifts and pallet trucks.
• Doors: double rear doors with container locks, and two side doors along the full length.
• Certification: compliant with ISO 668, ISO 1496 and CSC standards.
• External dimensions: 6,058 mm (L) x 2,438 mm (W) x 2,591 mm (H).
• Internal dimensions: 5,898 mm (L) x 2,352 mm (W) x 2,393 mm (H).
• Internal volume: around 33 m³.
• Tare weight: around 2,200 to 2,400 kg.
• Payload: around 28,000 kg.
• Side opening: two doors along the full length, with sealing gaskets.

These characteristics make it a container particularly suited to long, wide or hard-to-handle loads, while offering full protection against bad weather.

Main uses of the 20ft Open Side container

Thanks to its full side opening, this container lends itself to many uses, well beyond simple storage.

Transport and logistics

In the transport sector, the Open Side container is ideal for out-of-gauge goods: tubes, metal profiles, machines, prefabricated panels, construction elements. Side access allows direct loading and unloading, without having to slide goods along the entire length. This reduces handling, downtime and the risk of damage. Logistics operators see it as an effective solution for managing heterogeneous flows.

Industrial storage and construction

On a building site or in a warehouse, the Open Side container is used to store long materials (scaffolding, pipes, beams), tools and bulky equipment. The side opening makes access easy with a forklift, without complex manoeuvring. It can also be fitted out as a break room for teams, a workshop or a spare parts store.

Agriculture and green spaces

In agriculture, it can store seeds, fertilisers, fodder or small equipment. The side opening simplifies loading bags or bales. It can also serve as a technical room for pumps or generators, or as a tool shed.

Events and retail

For events, the Open Side container can become a stand, a control room, a cloakroom or temporary storage space. Its industrial aesthetic is appreciated. In retail, it can be transformed into a pop-up shop, collection point or stockroom. The full side opening allows products to be displayed along the entire length, creating an original shop window.

Possible conversions and fit-outs

The new 20ft Open Side container is a sound base for many fit-out projects. Its Corten steel structure supports the addition of insulation, cladding, electrical systems and air conditioning, subject to good practice and planning permission.

Site office or technical room

The side opening makes it easy to install a glass door, a counter or a partition. Openings can be created to bring in natural light. A site office fitted out in an Open Side container provides a functional, protected and movable workspace. For a technical room, side access facilitates the installation and maintenance of equipment (pumps, generators, electrical panels).

Workshop or production space

With its robust floor and side access, the container can be converted into a workshop for welding, carpentry or mechanical work. The side opening allows workbenches and machine tools to be installed, with natural ventilation. Air extraction, suitable lighting and power sockets can be added.

Retail outlet or showroom

The Open Side container is well suited to creating a pop-up shop or showroom. The side doors can be fitted with display windows, display stands or counters. The interior can be fitted with shelving, suitable flooring and LED lighting. Its industrial look attracts attention and can become a marketing asset.

Secure storage room

For secure storage, the Open Side container can be fitted with additional locks, an alarm and a surveillance system. The side opening, although practical, must be properly locked when the container is left unattended. An internal partition can also be added to separate storage areas.

Outdoor fit-outs and integration

For outdoor use, it is recommended to place the container on concrete blocks or sleepers to avoid direct contact with the ground and limit corrosion. A slight slope helps water drainage. A terrace, awning or solar panels on the roof can be added to power lighting or equipment. External or internal insulation is possible, with suitable materials (rock wool, polyurethane).

Comparison with other container types

The 20ft Open Side container stands out from other models by its side access. Let's compare it with common solutions:

• Standard 20ft dry container: rear access only, less practical for long loads. The Open Side offers full side access, but its price is higher and its side structure slightly less rigid, which can reduce its stacking strength.
• 40ft container: larger (around 67 m³), but less manoeuvrable and more bulky. The 20ft is more compact, easier to move and install on a restricted site.
• Open Top container: opening roof for top loading. The Open Side favours side access. The two can be complementary.
• Flat Rack: no walls or roof, for very wide or high loads, but without weather protection. The Open Side retains full protection.
• High Cube: 30 cm higher, offering greater volume. The Open Side also exists in High Cube version, combining side access and increased height.
• Reefer: refrigerated container for perishable goods, requiring a power supply. Not suitable for standard dry storage.

Points to check before buying

When buying a new 20ft Open Side container, several checks are essential:

1. Standards compliance: check the ISO 668, ISO 1496 certificates and the CSC plate.
2. Condition of welds: ensure they are continuous and defect-free.
3. Locks and gaskets: check that all locks are present and the sealing gaskets are in good condition.
4. Door alignment: the side and rear doors must open and close without forcing.
5. Paint: uniform, without deep scratches.
6. Floor: clean, without splinters or worn areas.

A new container should have a sound structure, fresh paint and soft, intact gaskets.

Transport and regulations

Transporting a 20ft container in France is subject to weight and dimension regulations. An empty container weighs around 2,200 to 2,400 kg. Once loaded, the total gross vehicle weight must not exceed legal limits (40 tonnes for a standard road train, 44 tonnes in certain combined transport cases). The total height of the convoy must not exceed 4 metres, except with special authorisation. The maximum width is 2.55 metres, compatible with the container's 2.438 metres. The maximum length of a road train is 16.50 metres.

Transport can be carried out by container truck, train or sea. For site deliveries, a truck with a loader crane or a forklift with sufficient capacity is often required. It is advisable to provide stabilised ground and suitable manoeuvring space. The container must be properly locked onto the chassis using twist-locks.

Maintenance and durability

To extend the container's lifespan, periodic maintenance is recommended:

• Regularly inspect the structure (walls, roof, floor, underframe).
• Clean gutters and remove debris to prevent water stagnation.
• Check and treat door gaskets with a suitable product.
• Clean the floor with non-aggressive products; repair splinters with resin.
• Touch up scratches with an anti-corrosion primer and topcoat.

A well-maintained container can retain its structural qualities for many years, even when exposed to sea spray or an industrial environment.

Safety and protection

Access to the container must be protected by quality locks and, if necessary, additional padlocks. The side and rear doors must be kept closed and locked when the container is left unattended. For sensitive storage, an alarm or surveillance system can be installed. Interior lighting can be powered by an electrical extension or standalone solutions (solar panels, batteries).

Optimising interior fit-out: partitioning and ergonomics

A 20ft Open Side container offers a floor area of around 13.8 m² (5.898 m x 2.352 m). This area, although compact, can be optimised by thoughtful partitioning. For example, in mixed office/storage use, a lightweight partition can separate a 4 to 5 m² work area and a storage area. Partitions can be made from particleboard, plywood or plasterboard on a metal frame. It is essential not to drill through external walls without anti-corrosion treatment, and to preserve sealing. Ergonomics is another key point: the side opening allows worktops to be installed along the opposite wall, with direct access from outside. For a workshop, overhead lighting (suspended LED lamps) and distributed sockets are preferred. For an office, acoustic and thermal insulation, as well as suitable ventilation, should be considered. The 2.393 m ceiling height allows standing work without discomfort, and the installation of overhead storage.

Thermal and acoustic insulation: what solutions?

Steel is an excellent thermal conductor: without insulation, a container can become uncomfortable, very hot in summer and cold in winter. For regular use, insulation is essential. Several techniques exist:

• Internal insulation: metal or timber frame, mineral wool (rock wool, glass wool) or rigid panels (polyurethane, extruded polystyrene), then lining (plasterboard, panelling, OSB). This method slightly reduces internal volume.
• External insulation: insulating panels fixed to external walls, then cladding. It preserves internal volume but changes the appearance and requires careful finishing.
• Injection insulation: sprayed foam, effective but more expensive.

For acoustic insulation, dense materials and perimeter gaskets are preferred. The side doors, if they remain operable, must be fitted with suitable gaskets to limit air and noise infiltration. A double wall with an air gap also improves performance.

Electricity, plumbing and air conditioning: the systems to plan

Fitting out a container as a living or working space involves planning technical systems. For electricity, it is recommended to call on a qualified professional. Cables can be run in conduits fixed to the walls, with an electrical panel and suitable circuit breakers. A water supply and drainage are possible, but require sealed penetrations and drainage to a network or tank. For air conditioning, a split system can be installed, with the outdoor unit fixed on the roof or a wall. Mechanical ventilation (MVHR) can be useful to renew air and prevent condensation.

It is important to check compatibility with local planning rules, especially if the container is installed permanently. A building permit may be required depending on the surface area and intended use.

Open Side container and sustainable development

The maritime container is often presented as a symbol of reuse: its conversion into a habitable or utility space is part of a circular economy approach. A new container, although made with new steel, offers a long lifespan and can be reused several times. Its carbon footprint is generally favourable compared to traditional construction, especially if bio-sourced insulation materials (wood wool, cellulose wadding) and renewable energy (solar panels) are used. The side opening facilitates the installation of this equipment and the intake of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Concrete examples of 20ft Open Side fit-outs

To illustrate the potential of this container, here are some achievable fit-out examples:

• 4-person site office: lightweight partition separating a work area with 4 workstations, a small kitchenette and dry toilets. The side opening serves as the main access with a glass door.
• Carpentry workshop: workbenches along the walls, tool storage on the opposite wall, air extraction for dust. The side opening allows long panels to be brought in.
• Pop-up shop: counter facing the side opening, wall displays, LED lighting, vinyl flooring. The doors open to create a shop window.
• Technical room: installation of pumps, electrical panels, generator. Side access facilitates maintenance.
• Secure storage space: metal shelving, partition, alarm and camera.

Conclusion

The new 20ft Open Side container is a durable and versatile investment. Its full side opening facilitates the handling of bulky loads and opens the way to many fit-outs: office, workshop, retail outlet, technical room. Its Corten steel structure and robust floor guarantee a long lifespan. Before buying, define your use, location and access constraints precisely to choose the most suitable configuration. A well-chosen and properly maintained container will serve you for many years.