Containeren

Containeren is a term used in several languages to denote standardized enclosures that can be used for transport, storage, and, in the field of information technology, as isolated execution environments. The most common reference is to shipping containers, which are standardized steel boxes, but the term can also apply to software containers that run applications in portable, isolated spaces.

Shipping containers are designed for intermodal transport and are governed by international standards. The most widely used sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot units, with high-cube options that are taller. They feature corner fittings for stacking and lifting by cranes, and weatherproof walls, typically made of weathering steel. They enable efficient handling by ships, trains, and trucks and can be used for long-term storage or temporary packing for goods. Common special types include refrigerated (reefer) containers for perishable goods, open-top and open-side variants for oversized cargo, and flat-rack containers for heavy equipment. Containers are manufactured to ISO specifications (for example ISO 668 for dimensions and ISO 6346 for identification) and are designed for repeated use, repair, and refurbishment.

Software containers, as used in information technology, provide isolated environments in which applications can run. Containers share the host operating system kernel but are separated at the process level, which makes them lightweight and portable. Containerization has become central to modern deployment practices, enabling consistent software environments from development to production.

Historically, the container standardization boom in the mid-20th century revolutionized global trade by enabling faster, more efficient loading and unloading. Today, containeren remain a foundational element of supply chains and digital infrastructures alike, reflecting their enduring practicality across physical and virtual domains.