Container Leasing corners 45 ft market

The company began developing its 45 ft container rental fleet in 2006. “The decision to diversify into the operating lease market was a natural progression of our existing activities in direct sales and lease purchase,” said Bob Walker, sales director for Container Leasing (UK). “We felt it was important to offer the market maximum financial flexibility and procurement options.”

A total of 1,200 45 ft box containers were produced in China last year for the Container Leasing rental fleet, with a further 800 units built for direct sale and lease purchase. In 2007, the company forecasts that production of 45 ft boxes could double to 4,000. It has already placed orders in China this year for 2,050 units, including 800 boxes for rental. Scheduled for delivery in June and July, the 800 new boxes will take the lease fleet to 2,000 units, and there are plans for further expansion during the second half of the year.

Current rental customers include Europe Lines, Finnlines, Transfennica and Transatlantic (formerly Paltrans) and the newly-formed Ge-eX Logistics. The company has also sold 45 ft boxes to companies including Containerships, Eucon, John G Russell and Samskip.