For more than 25 years, the core business of TWS is to provide tank containers on rent for liquid products used in the chemical industry, but also for liquid foodstuffs. In the year 2014, the company had a turnover of almost EUR 18.5 million. The fleet of 5,044 units consists of 20ft standard tank containers with a volume of 14.5 to 26 cbm, as well as SWAP bodies with volumes between 29.5 and 35 cbm. All tank containers are generally equipped with steam heaters, walkways and ladders, foldable handrails, man lids and spout cabinets. If required, electric heating can be retrofitted. Some of the 30 and 35 cbm containers are fitted with baffles. Different units are available with superior linings, such as Saekaphen, PROCO-EMAIL black, ChemLINE, and Asplit LC, as well as rubber lining, specifically for corrosive or ultrapure products. The special reefer tank containers for the foodstuff or chemical industry allow products in tank containers to be cooled to minus 20° centigrade and heated to plus 50° to 80° centigrade, depending on the type (electrical or diesel). Some tank containers are equipped with an agitator or zip-units. The portfolio is rounded off by tank containers satisfying special requirements, e.g. UN T22 with baffles or US certification, as well as special super-insulated units. When renting out tank containers, spill troughs of different sizes for containers measuring 20ft, 30ft and 40ft are offered as a special service. These spill troughs are special constructions which can be used either in the event of a spill, as intermediate storage facilities or to decant products from the container into another bin or canister. The state of the art mobile heating systems maintain product temperatures of up to 90° centigrade in the tank containers. Weighing only 270 kg, the heating units can easily be transported wherever they are needed. One unit can heat up to four tank containers at the same time. Safety and quality in all areas are a top priority for TWS. Years of experience and close cooperation within local teams in Europe and overseas, have allowed developing innovative solutions. André Bauer, General Manager, Sales, TWS Rent-a-tainer, speaks to Indian Transport & Logistics News (ITLN) about the innovative container solutions for rent to the chemical industry. Safe transportation of hazardous chemicals across the country is one of the biggest challenges. How does TWS comply with these challenges? The quality of the equipment is of the highest priority. All our equipment is built according to strong safety regulations. Before we lease our tank containers to our customers all parts are checked, controlled and certified by an independent official survey company. Even during the period of a lease agreement, we keep in touch with our customers to ensure safety. The range of chemicals shipped in bulk has increased extremely in recent days. How does TWS develop fleet of tankers to meet this need? The strength of TWS is the availability of a diversified fleet suitable for the transportation of a wide range of chemicals. TWS also offers tank containers within a short time due to well equipped depots. TWS makes huge capital investments in order to satisfy customer needs with regard to the special construction of tank containers. Our marketing department looks into the potential needs of each customer and works with them to fulfil their growing expectations. We co-operate closely with customers who have to react to changes in the market. We provide support to their local and international business markets. Corrosive fluids such as Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hypochlorite and Sulphuric acid exacerbate specific transport problems. What are the specialised tankers that you lease to tackle the potentially harmful nature of such chemicals? TWS rents out specially built tank containers with linings that prevent the product from harming the inner surface of the tank container. We have one of the biggest fleet of tank containers with an inside coating, specially designed for all kind of specific products. The customer names the product, we check the resistance and supply the optimised tank container in time. TWS also has a specific fleet with a common lining permanently available. How do you look at India as a market and what are your service offerings in India? India has a production industry for all kinds of special and high valued products. The production volume is growing for HCL, DMS, and other special products. We take care to deliver the right tank container that conforms to international regulations and customer specific needs. The production of special products is increasing in India. International chemical companies have started their production in India. Consequently, the demand for special tank containers suitable for the transportation of these products will increase in the future.