CCS Five-in-One ‘Foldable’ Container Set to Transform Global Box Logistics

Compact Container Systems (CCS) has announced the SeaFold high cube 40 ft container, the world’s first five-in-one, foldable shipping container.

With more than 20% of returning containers brought back to their port of origin empty, the SeaFold HC 40’ aims to combat this. It has the potential to reduce the cost of repositioning boxes by 56%, lower storage space by as much as 80%, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%.

The SeaFold HC 40’ was designed and built using the highest quality industry standard materials. It can be used with all standard lift equipment found in most ports, terminals and depots, with no special equipment required to operate. 

It has also passed all Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas requirements, as well as the ISO, the International Convention for Safe Containers, and the International Union of Railways standards.

“The opportunity to place five of our folded containers in the same slot as one 40’ HC standard container is a game changer in managing container movements, maximizing storage capacity, and greatly reducing carbon emissions,” Chairman and CEO of CCS, Charlie Santos-Buch said.

When collapsed, a bundle of five SeaFold containers accommodates the same slot as one standard 40’ HC container. Folding and storing the SeaFold container is quick and safe, with erection requiring minimal resources.

This innovative design helps to address the significant issue seen by the supply chain industry regarding empty container repositioning and transportation.

By significantly reducing the space required for empty containers, the SeaFold container not only cuts costs, but alleviates congestion in ports and storage facilities. This will prove particularly beneficial during peak seasons when storage is at a premium.

“Whether it is saving cost or space, our containers create a safe and more efficient operating and storage system at a port, terminal or depot. This is especially important during the high-volume peak season when congestion is a big issue and moving out empty containers becomes a priority,” Santos-Buch added.

This world-first design has wide-ranging implications across all global supply chains. Tests performed by analytics firm, ESG Base discovered that, when compared to transportation of conventional 40’ HC containers, five collapsed SeaFold containers in one slot achieved a 69% reduction in metric tons of CO2 emissions on a shipping route from Los Angeles to Shanghai.

This efficiency will help logistics companies to better manage their resources, and respond effectively to demand fluctuations. The SeaFold HC 40’ container represents a significant advancement in container logistics, and will play a crucial role in the future of global supply chains.

Your single source cargo solution

Transporting cargo by sea can be a complex and costly business, so it is important to get it right.

We have offered industry-leading scientific cargo advice for over half a century, and have an excellent track record for providing expert evidence for litigation.

Discover more about our scientific cargo advice today to see how we can support you and your business.

For more maritime industry insights, news and information, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…

Reporting of Lost Containers to Be Mandatory From 2026 | MSC to Construct New Container Terminal at Aarhus | MSC Approaches 20% Share of Container Ship Market