COA & Flexitanks

The use of flexitanks to carry non-hazardous bulk liquids in containers has grown substantially in recent years.

Since 2008, the COA has been working on the development of a Recommended Code of Practice for Flexitank/Container Combinations.

This Code of Practice covers a number of key areas related to flexitank manufacture and operation, including:

• Rail impact testing of flexitank/container combinations
• Material testing
• Container selection
• Flexitank marking
• Emergency response and insurance

The first version of the Code of Practice was launched in December 2009. Two further versions have been published - the latest of these in October 2011. This version can be downloaded by clicking on the button below.

The COA has prepared a Standard Rail Impact Test Report, which ensures that the reporting of the results of container/flexitank combinations can be carried out in a standard format.

The COA also publishes a document which shows how Members are complying with the Code of Practice. This can be downloaded by clicking on the button below.

The COA has organised 8 meetings focusing on flexitanks - some stand-alone meetings, and some organised as part of the COA's General Meetings in Europe and Asia. Members can download the presentations by clicking onthe button on the left of this page.

A Flexitank Manager, Chris Thornton, manages the work of the COA's Flexitank Programme. Chris can be contacted on flexitanks@containerownersassociation.org

1. COA Flexitank Code of Practice (Version: October 2011)

To view the latest version of the COA Flexitank Code of Practice with updates and clarifications, click HERE 

2. COA Standard Rail Impact Test Report

To download the COA's Standard Rail Impact Test Report, click HERE 

3. COA Flexitank Compliance List

To view a list of companies which have submitted information to the COA in compliance with the Code of Practice, click HERE (updated 11 January 2013)

Further information from flexitanks@containerownersassociation.org)  

COA Flexitank Rail Impact Testing: Special Rates for COA Members

Following the publication of the Container Owners Association’s Flexitank Code of Practice in May 2009, a number of flexitank companies are now undertaking Rail Impact Tests for Flexitank/Container Combinations.

The Rail Impact Test can be undertaken either at the TüV Süd Rail testing facility in Görlitz, Germany; or at the AAR testing facility in Pueblo, Colorado, USA.

The COA has negotiated special rates for COA Members planning to undertake rail impact testing at the Tüv Süd facility in Görlitz.

For further information about the rates for testing, members should contact Peter Hartwig at Tüv Süd, email: daniel.zingelmann@tuev-sued.de 

Click HERE to download a copy of the TüV Süd Rail presentation made in December 2008

Further information from: secretary@containerownersassociation.org

Flexitanks Updates