The 45 ft intra-EU swap body tank frame is the largest swap-body format used for bulk-liquid chemistry. Outer dimensions 13,716 mm x 2,550 mm x 2,591 mm. The width (2,550 mm) exceeds the 2,438 mm ISO 668 standard, which is the defining limitation: the frame cannot ride deep-sea container slots. Strict intra-EU operation on road tractors, rail wagons, and short-sea Mediterranean / North Sea ferry crossings. Up to 38,000 L capacity with 38,000 kg MGW under EU road weight rules. Bertschi, Hoyer, VTG Tanktainer, and Den Hartogh run substantial 45 ft swap-body fleets.
What 45ft is built for
Bulk chemicals on the densest EU intermodal lanes (Germany-Italy, Netherlands-Sweden, France-Spain) where the larger 35,000 L per tank reduces handling cycles. Bulk food in the 35,000 L configuration for European food-distribution networks. The 45 ft frame represents the upper limit of single-tank capacity in the EU operating envelope; some specialty rail-only operations push higher (up to 50,000 L on dedicated rail wagons) but these are not interchangeable with road operations.
Construction and materials
316L stainless cylinder, 6 mm reference shell. Frame is heavier than a 30 ft swap body because of the longer span; tare runs 6,500 to 7,500 kg. Retractable support legs at the four corners allow the swap body to stand on its own at distribution depots. Top and bottom fittings as for ISO tanks, with optional glycol heating and baffles.
When 45ft is the right choice
45 ft is the right frame for the densest intra-EU bulk-liquid lanes where the operator’s per-tonne shipping economics improve with the larger capacity per tank. The savings on handling cycles outweigh the constraint of intra-EU-only operation.
When 45ft is the wrong choice
45 ft is unequivocally the wrong frame for any deep-sea route. Any booking that touches a deep-sea ocean leg (Mediterranean to North Africa via short-sea ferry is fine; Europe to anywhere outside the EU intermodal envelope is not) requires an ISO 1AA / 1CC / 1AAA frame. The Sourzi calculator surfaces this with a hard warning when 45 ft swap-body equipment is selected for routes that include deep-sea container-vessel stowage.
Frame interface specifications
Outer length 13,716 mm. Outer width 2,550 mm (NON-ISO; exceeds the 2,438 mm ISO 668 standard, which is why the frame cannot ride deep-sea slots). Outer height 2,591 mm. Corner-cast spacing wider than ISO twist-locks accommodate. Retractable support legs at four corners. Operates on EU road and rail with chassis or wagon support; stand-alone parking at distribution depots via the support legs.