9 Popular Conversions of 20 ft Half Height Containers

There are numerous uses of a 20 ft half-height container in the US. Unlike your standard containers, half-height shipping containers only have a height of half of their standard counterparts.

Its lower profile and strong structure makes them majorly converted for heavy-duty or space-limited uses. Designers often turn them into unique low-profile structures, sunken spaces, or modular features.

In this article, we will talk about diverse popular conversions of a 20 ft half height container.

Contents

What is a Half Height Container?

If you need a container for bulk goods with a fairly heavy capacity, half-height is the right choice. This container unit has loading and unloading access at the top because the roof is easily removable. 

A half-height container is a shipping container that is half the height of a standard shipping container. Its special height makes it ideal for transporting dense cargo, as it maximizes the container’s capacity while ensuring stability during transport. It is compatible with a variety of transportation modes, such as container ships, trucks, and trains.

Due to their smaller size, you can also use the half-height containers for storage purposes in situations where vertical space is limited. You can also stack these containers on top of each other for efficient use of space.

Tradecorp 20′ Half Height Shipping Container dimensions and capacity are: 

  • Dimensions: L 20′ x W 8′ x H 4’3″
  • Tare Weight (Empty Weight): 5,420 lbs 
  • Max Gross Weight: 57,320 lbs
  • Max Payload: 51,900 lbs

20 ft Half Height Container Conversion

Half-Height Shipping Container Dimensions, Features, & Functions
20 ft Half-Height Shipping Container

Half height container is famous for their longevity and strength for storing and transporting heavy materials. However, you can always convert it into another use, such as:

1. Mining & Heavy Material Transport

One of the most common uses of a 20 ft half-height container is in the mining & heavy material industry. It is used to transport ore, coal, sand, gravel, and scrap metal. 

To make the container more practical in the mining and heavy material industry, you need to add some typical conversion features, such as reinforced floors & walls, top loading design, and forklift pockets & crane lifting points.

2. Waste & Recycling Bins

Half-height containers are frequently converted into industrial waste skips. This use is common in construction sites, recycling facilities, and metal scrap yards.

To make the half-height container a good waste and recycling bin, you need to add some modifications like side tipping mechanisms, drainage holes, and reinforced edges.

3. Mobile Storage Units

Using a Half Height Container as a mobile storage unit is a practical and durable solution for construction sites, farms, workshops, and remote operations. Because it’s shorter than a standard container, it’s easier to move, load, and access equipment while still being extremely strong.

Some companies convert them into low-profile storage units to store tools, construction equipment, and spare parts.

4. Mobile Workshops or Tool Cribs

A mobile workshop or tool crib is a portable tool room and small repair station that can be moved between job sites. Because they are sturdy and compact, they can be converted into portable tool stations.

Using a 20-ft Half Height Container as a mobile workshop or tool crib is very popular on construction, mining, oil & gas, and maintenance sites because it provides a secure, portable workspace for tools and repairs. The low height makes it easier to access tools from above and keeps heavy equipment stable during transport. 

5. Agricultural Feed or Grain Bins

Using a 20 ft Half Height Container as an Agricultural Feed or Grain Bin is a practical conversion for farms because the container is strong, weather-resistant, and easy to move. Its low height makes loading with tractors or loaders easier

Farmers often convert them into temporary grain storage, feed bins, or fertilizer storage units. Half-height containers can be modified for farm storage by adding hopper bottoms, discharge chutes, and weatherproof lids.

6. Water or Liquid Storage Tanks

With internal lining and sealing, they can be turned into large storage tanks by adding epoxy coating, drain valves, and pump connections.

This is mainly used in construction and emergency water storage.

7. Sunken Container Swimming Pool

A half-height container is almost the perfect depth for a pool. It has a very strong steel structure and is much cheaper than building a concrete pool.

Typical dimensions of a 20 ft half-height container pool are L 20’ x W 8’ x H 5.9’, with the capacity of 15,000-18,000 liters of water. This size works well for plunge pools, relaxation pools, cold plunge, spa pools, or small family swimming pools.

The container is installed partially or fully below ground level, with a surrounding deck or patio. When partially buried in the ground, it creates a modern, compact backyard pool that is faster and cheaper than building a traditional concrete pool.

8. Sunken Garden Lounge / Fire Pit Area

Some designers bury the  20-ft Half Height container partially in the ground and create a cozy lounge. This is a stylish landscaping project used in modern backyards, resorts, rooftop gardens, and beach clubs. 

Because the container is only about 1.3 m high, it creates the perfect depth for a comfortable sunken seating space without deep excavation. With that, you will have a sunken lounge area where people can sit below ground level around a central fire pit or coffee table.

9. Container Skate Bowl

Skate parks sometimes convert them into portable mini skate bowls by smoothing the curved interior panels, reinforcing the corners, and providing a steel or fiberglass skating surface.

10. Underground Wine Cellar

A half-height container can be buried to create a temperature-stable cellar in homes, restaurants, and vineyards. The half-height container serves as the structural shell of the cellar, creating a stable, cool storage space for wine.

The container is buried underground to take advantage of natural soil insulation. This helps maintain the ideal wine storage conditions, as an underground container wine cellar will have:

  • 10-14°C temperature
  • 60-72% humidity
  • Low light exposure
  • Minimal vibration

11. Luxury Outdoor Bathtub or Spa

Converting a 20 ft half-height container into a luxury outdoor bathtub or spa is a creative project used in eco-resorts, glamping sites, mountain cabins, etc. 

The container’s depth (4.3 ft) is almost perfect for soaking tubs, plunge pools, or hot spas. This size can comfortably fit 6-10 people.

 It can be installed above ground, partially buried, or fully sunken into a wooden deck.

Recommended Units of 20 ft Half Height Container

20' BK2 Bulk Container
20′ BK2 Bulk Container

20′ Half Height Containers

Perfect for labor-heavy industries like construction, energy, and mining, our latest 20’ Half-Height Container with exacting specifications is ideal for carrying copious amounts of raw materials thanks to its lack of upper top covering.

This container’s design enables a lower gravity center, meaning it can create a better balance when carrying raw materials like cement and ore. Since there is no upper top covering by default, users can load their materials from above using cranes, excavators, or loaders with ease.

20′ Half Height 1.8 M Open Top

Unlike most half-height containers, the 20’ Half Height 1.8 OT Container is slightly taller and has an overall height of 1.8 meters. You can use this container to transport heavy loads with small volumes.

With the open-top feature, you can easily load cargo through the top of the container using a crane, excavator, or loader. In addition, this container is equipped with a hatch as an opening to facilitate the loading and unloading process. 

As for the floor, this container uses a steel floor as it can handle heavy loads better and makes the cleaning process easier. Also, the container is equipped with forklift pockets on both sides, making it easier for you to move it over short distances using a forklift.

20′ Half Height Scrap Steel Container

Designed with a low Center of Gravity, Tradecorp’s 20’ Half Height Scrap Steel Container has better balance compared to other container types. This 20’ Half Height Container is made from steel scrap, a low-emitting source of metal that can be turned back repeatedly into new steel, retaining its original properties.

Producing steel from secondary source steel scrap with clean electricity results in a very low-emitting circular material. However, scrap steel is considered strong, as it retains the same strength as new steel when recycled. It can be just as durable and powerful as freshly manufactured steel in most applications, as the recycling process does not significantly diminish its structural integrity.

20′ Half Height No Door Container

With a full focus on carrying bulky materials that other shipping container types cannot, the 20’ Half Height No-Door Container is Tradecorp’s best solution for helping customers working in industries like construction and mining move their materials in large quantities.

Since Tradecorp designed this container to carry bulky materials, this 20’ Half Height No-Door Container uses a design that enables a lower gravity center to make carrying it easier and more balanced. Furthermore, the lack of doors in this container makes loading materials into it using cranes or excavators more efficient.

20′ Half Height Container with Steel Floor and Hard Top

The 20’ Half Height Container is the perfect choice for you to move your cargo in large amounts with low volume easily. This is good for labor-heavy industries like construction, energy, and mining, which involve bulky raw materials.

This half-height container uses a design that enables a lower gravity center to create an improved balance when carrying bulky materials. Furthermore, unlike regular shipping containers, the open-top accessibility of our 20’ Half Height Container makes loading materials into the container easier.

In addition, this container relies on steel flooring instead of a wooden-based one, making it possible to carry heavier materials with better support. The hard top also protects the container’s cargo from any external damage that may incur losses.

20′ BK2 Bulk Container

If your business involves dry bulk products such as grains, beans, and sugar, we highly recommend the 20’ BK2 Bulk Half Height Container for you! 

A BK2 container is a closed bulk container that is certified to transport solid hazardous cargo under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. BK2 containers are designed to be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings that occur during transport. 

You can transport your goods efficiently and safely with minimal time spent on loading and unloading. The BK2 Bulker Container can also contain loose bulk without leakage.

20′ Half Height DNV Offshore Shipping Containers

The 20′ Half Height DNV Offshore Shipping Container is designed with a lower height, which makes it easier to load and unload cargo, especially those that are too heavy or too dense to be loaded through the standard height containers.

For the offshore oil and gas industry, it can be used to transport drilling equipment, pipes, and other heavy items. The DNV certification ensures that it is built to the highest safety and quality standards for use in harsh offshore environments.

20′ Offshore DNV Half Height Container (Red)

Our 20 ft DNV half-height container is designed specifically for storing and transporting equipment for offshore activities. It is made according to the DNV 2.7-1 standard, with a single swing door that provides easy access for loading and unloading. Inside, we can find lashing points to hold your cargo, and we can also attach a tarpaulin to the top to protect your load from the elements.

The 20-foot Half Height container is designed to make loading heavy cargo extremely easy. It has an open top and an access door, which allows for easy unloading. Additionally, it can carry heavy, dense bulk goods compared to higher-standard containers.

Conclusion

20 ft Half-height containers are used in the shipping industry as a significant solution for transporting solid cargo such as mineral sand, salt, iron ore, and several other materials. This special container offers unique benefits that simplify the shipping process and optimize cargo handling.

Tradecorp is one of the reliable and trusted half-height container providers in the U.S. Other than the Half-Height Container, we also have various choices of container sales and rentals, such as 20 ft dry containers, reefer containers, flat racks, half-height containers, to modular buildings. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!