Your Experts for Transporting Liquid Cargo Worldwide
Transporting liquids around the world requires high-quality equipment and specialist expertise. MSC Liquid Cargo Solutions provides a single point of contact for your liquids supply chain. Our complete package of in-house services (including flexibag supply and fitting) covers all your bulk liquid transportation needs, using our shipping equipment.
We have a thorough understanding of the importance that good logistics planning and supply chain management has when shipping liquid freight. That’s why our dedicated teams of experts are on hand 24/7 to offer you support and guidance whenever you need it.
We utilise the best technology, including specialized equipment known as flexitanks that are designed to transport large volumes of liquids safely and prevent contamination or spillage of your cargo. Flexi-bags are a safe, cost-effective and partly recyclable alternative to other liquid transportation methods. These recyclable silk bags allow you to fill 20’ dry containers with up to 24,000 litres of liquid cargo.
Global Connectivity
from Ocean to Inland
Combining our liquid cargo solutions with our ocean and intermodal services ensures your cargo is delivered wherever you need it.
Our port and depot network includes key hubs for flexibag installation in Europe, as well as major liquid cargo production regions, from South America to the Middle East. We also have offices in all of the major exporting and receiving countries.
Flexibag Equipment and Expertise
We work with an accredited supplier to provide the highest quality of flexibags. Our in-house experts carefully fit and secure each one at our dedicated fitting stations, using our own modern equipment. This means that there is less chance that your cargo could be spilled or contaminated during the loading process.
End-to-End Efficiency for your Liquid Supply Chain
A further advantage of shipping liquid freight with MSC is our end-to-end supply chains. By choosing MSC liquid cargo solutions, you can speed up your supply chain. This results in greater efficiency, lower costs, and reduced road miles. Product liability insurance is also included in our end-to-end service so you don’t have to worry about sourcing additional documentation.
Advantages of Shipping Liquids Internationally with MSC
Liquid cargo shipping requires care, precision, and expertise. Our experience in the handling and shipping of liquid cargo means we can create bespoke solutions that ensure your liquid cargo is delivered to your customers without delay or disaster. Our use of state-of-the-art technology, combined with our decades of industry experience means we’re well placed to help you with your next liquid freight transportation.
Contact us today to explore how MSC's liquid Cargo Solutions could be beneficial for your business. Complementary services available on request.
Discover Tips & Articles
Navigating Liquid Cargo Shipments with MSC Belgium
Also known as flexitank shipping, liquid cargo exports are becoming increasingly prominent in Belgium. One of the major industries involved in liquid cargo exports is non-harmful chemicals such as petroleum products, rubbers, latex, and oils which are shipped from Antwerp port. From the Flanders region, edible and natural liquid cargo, including line seed and rape seed is being increasingly shipped. As these commodities are used worldwide in numerous ways, it’s vital to ensure that they are transported as safely as possible to avoid loss of cargo.
Inner Liner and Thermal Liner Fitting
We also offer inner liner and thermal liner fittings to our customers. Both options are designed to protect your liquid cargo and help you feel confident that your shipment is being well taken care of and handled by experts during transportation.
Inner Liners
Inner liners are an economical and flexible alternative to bulk carriers. They help prevent cargo contamination and simplify the supply chain for dry bulk goods such as sugar, grains, cacao or plastic granulates.
Thermal Liners
Thermal liners help keep sensitive cargo dry, odourless, and safe from temperature disruptions during transit.
Liquid Cargo FAQs
What is a flexitank - flexibag?
Used for the transportation of non-hazardous liquids, a flexibag is a hermetically sealed, collapsible, and flexible bag or bladder. Flexibags are fitted into a twenty-foot Dry Van (DV) or standard container before being filled with your liquid cargo. Once filling is complete, the flexibag is sealed and a bulkhead or a sturdy frame is used to stop it from moving inside the container.
What are flexibags made from?
Our multilayer recyclable bags are made from food-grade virgin polyethylene film with premium woven silk and a polypropylene outer layer for extra flexibility and strength.
What is the difference between a flexibag and a flexitank?
They are one and the same.
Are your flexibags food-grade suitable?
Yes, our recyclable bags are made from food-grade virgin polyethylene film.
What type of cargo can flexibags carry?
Flexibags can hold a wide range of liquid cargo, including:
- Soft drinks such as fruit juice/concentrate or mineral water
- Alcoholic beverages such as wine and flat beer
- Various types of oil, e.g., cooking oil and vegetable oil
- Non-hazardous chemicals, e.g., glycerine or lubricants
Flexibags cannot be used to carry:
- Hazardous chemicals
Does a flexibag keep cargo fresh?
Yes, flexibags are designed to be airtight, so contents are kept fresh for the duration of their journey.
How many flexibags can fit into a container?
One bag is used per container, maximizing the volume usage and payload per container.
How many times can a flexibag be used?
Each flexibag is single-use and recyclable, making them the hygienic choice for shipping edible cargoes.
How do you fill a flexibag?
Flexibags can be filled from the top or bottom, depending on the cargo being loaded and the loading installation of our customers.
How do you transport liquid cargo?
- Fit – load – go!
- Top-quality flexibags are carefully secured inside containers by our in-house team at dedicated fitting stations.
- Our experts then offer loading and unloading assistance at loading plant.
- We keep your cargo moving with our seamless intermodal connections and global shipping solutions.
- MSC experts are available at all points across the liquid cargo supply chain.
- We offer complementary loading and unloading of liquid cargo while our cross-pumping service allows transfer to and from ISO tanks, flexibags, storage tanks or tank trucks.
What is the difference between an ISO tank and flexitank?
Flexibags are generally a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to ISO tanks (cylindrical metal containers held inside a steel frame). This is because they can be installed inside any 20’ container that meets the relevant quality standards, with no need for cleaning or repositioning.
Not sure which option is best for your cargo? Speak to your local MSC team for help.
What are the benefits of flexibag shipping solutions?
There are several benefits of flexibag shipping solutions. Flexibags are recyclable and made from food-grade virgin polyethylene film with premium woven silk and a polypropylene outer layer. Not only does this make them an environmentally friendly shipping solution, but also provides extra flexibility and strength during shipping which helps to protect your cargo.
Other benefits of flexitank shipping include:
- They’re suitable for a wide range of cargo types and volumes
- They’re airproof, weatherproof, and waterproof which helps preserve product quality
- They aid in faster loading and unloading
Are MSC's liquid cargo solutions available in my country?
You can find our liquid cargo solutions at a growing number of MSC-owned depots around the world.