Cost Analysis of High-Temperature Resistant Folding Containers in Southeast Asia

Are foldable containers economically viable?

In order to examine the economic viability of the developed foldable container as compared to a standard 40-ft high-cube container, cost analysis is performed for an example route, i.e., the Busan–Vostochny–Moscow route (Fig. 10), which involves both inland and maritime transportation.

What are the conditions for the success of foldable containers?

Konings and Thijs summarized clearly the conditions for the success of foldable containers in the market: (1) low costs for folding and unfolding the containers; (2) low manufacturing costs; (3) compatibility with existing equipment for intermodal transport; and (4) structural robustness.

Why are foldable containers so controversial?

One main reason for this controversy is the high purchase cost of the foldable container. The current purchase cost of the developed foldable container is currently set to US$ 20,000 but will be lowered to US$ 10,000 in case of mass production, which is still significantly higher than the purchase price of US$ 5,000 of a standard 40-foot container.

How can a foldable container reduce the cost of storage?

The satisfaction of such conditions and the eventual adoption of the foldable container by the market would reduce the operation costs by 50% to 60% , the storage space in yard and depot by 80% and CO 2 emissions by 20% [8, 12].