Steel Giraffe Containersspecialize in complete custom and technical shipping container builds for a variety of industries. From the initial design meetings and CAD renderings, to the build process, to final delivery; Steel Giraffe handles it all. The most recent project was a custom 20’ High Cube container for the University of Rhode Island (URI), Oceanographic Department. Which is part of a larger organization called UNOLS (University-National Oceanographic Laboratory Systems.)
The challenge was to provide a mobile workspace for science research capable of a controlled temperature range, all while conforming to ISO shipping specifications as this container will spend a lot of time on different research vessels. A standard “reefer container” was typically used in the past as a starting platform, however it did not provide the best end result. Most “reefer containers” are 20’ standard heights, have grated floors, and the walls are stainless in color. Really making a poor work environment. So Steel Giraffe purpose built a 20’ High Cube from scratch. Installing doors, hatches, ladders, commercial HVAC, and recessed access ports as needed. The inside was insulated with a special corrugated panel, and finished with a white wall panel installed on the walls and ceiling. The floor was commercial epoxy with a flush mounted drain to collect run-off, this provided a bright and clean working environment. The walls were then lined with Uni-Strut every 20” (50cm) to allow for modular setups, as the science experiments are ever changing. Single phase and 3 phase power was installed to be able to support a variety of different equipment, with many parts 3D printed to keep the installation as clean and minimal as possible. Custom aluminum cabinets were designed and installed to keep the container as light as possible and prevent rusting in a salt environment.
URI will take delivery of this container/laboratory in late October and it will be in service to the University for many years to come.
For a 360 degree (click and drag) tour, check out:
Previous projects include American Magic (NYYC America’s Cup Challenger), CVS Pharmacies Covid Testing Lab, and many other marine support container projects.
Tags:
Subscribe for Daily Maritime Insights
Sign up for gCaptain’s newsletter and never miss an update
Utility-scale wind projects are springing up along the Atlantic seaboard, the Gulf of Mexico, and—within the decade—off the Pacific Coast. Federal lease auctions have committed roughly 4 million offshore acres...
Imagine you’ve just thrown your sea bag in the rack and started a three-month hitch aboard a tanker running from Beaumont to Singapore. You’re working day watch 0600 to 1800...
Picture a vessel that can sail to a jobsite, “plant” three or four giant steel legs on the seabed, and then lift its entire hull clear of the waves—creating a...
May 26, 2025
Total Views: 6390
Get The Industry’s Go-To News
Subscribe to gCaptain Daily and stay informed with the latest global maritime and offshore news
— just like 109,211 professionals
Secure Your Spot
on the gCaptain Crew
Stay informed with the latest maritime and offshore news, delivered daily straight to your inbox
— trusted by our 109,211 members
Your Gateway to the Maritime World!
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.