The Asia Tank Container Organization (@TCO) has been established by founder members Reginald Lee and Graham Wood to help foster the use of intermodal tank containers throughout the rapidly developing Asian marketplace. A formidable @TCO board of directors, with senior officers from amongst the leading tank container companies worldwide, has also been formed. @TCO is a non-profit-making organization.

"In recent years Asia has emerged to take on a key role in global tank container activities," states Reg Lee, @TCO president. "Asia is the fastest-growing tank container market in the world, while China is now the leading manufacturer of tank containers by a wide margin. The multimodal nature of tanks, with their ability to be moved easily between deep sea container ships, regional feeder vessels, rivergoing craft, road vehicles and rail cars, suits the geography of Asia.

"Yet until now Asian tank activities have not been well represented by industry bodies. We believe that the approach of the existing International Tank Container Organization (ITCO), for example, is too Eurocentric and does not pay adequate attention to either the needs of its members with interests in Asia or the promotion of tank container use in the Asian marketplace.

"Intermodal tank containers have proven themselves eminently suitable for the safe and efficient carriage of a wide range of bulk liquids, gases and powders, including hazardous cargoes, in Europe and the Atlantic Basin over a period of many decades. Our industry is now in a position to make available the valuable lessons that have been learned to a wide range of newcomers."

@TCO has established tank operating, leasing, manufacturing and survey and inspection divisions and has appointed chairmen and vice chairmen for each of the groups.

"Our intention is to invite to join us, at least initially, 30-35 companies which we believe can help our new Organization to develop the use of tank containers in a safe and efficient manner to meet the needs of shippers in this fast-growing Asian marketplace," adds Reg Lee. "Our board members are recognised industry leaders of unquestioned caliber and their presence will undoubtedly facilitate the creation of a sound organization and the achievement of @TCO's aims."

There will be no separate division within @TCO for tank container service providers as such. However, within the next few months the new association will issue an @TCO-recommended code of practice for Asian tank container depots and hauliers with the aim of helping such companies achieve and maintain the standard of performance necessary to ensure the safe handling of tank containers. Tank depots and hauliers meeting or exceeding the provisions laid down in the code of practice, and agreeing to be audited by independent assessors, could be invited to join @TCO.