Koper – Slovenia container depot
Koper is home to the largest Slovenian port and one of the key logistics hubs of the Adriatic Sea. This is exactly where HZ Containers offers the sale of used shipping containers from a professionally managed depot. In this guide, you will find everything essential – from choosing the right type of container, through navigating the prices, all the way to the actual pickup process. Transport from the depot is arranged by each customer individually, but we will provide you with all the information you need for a successful purchase.
Why buy used shipping containers from the Koper depot
Strategic location of the Port of Koper
The Port of Koper is located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea, just 20 kilometres from the Italian border. It handles over 1.1 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually and ranks among the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. The container terminal features five berths with a total length of 694.5 metres and a storage capacity of 20,700 TEU. The depot for empty containers can accommodate an additional 15,000 TEU.
Thanks to round-the-clock operations and modern equipment – 11 gantry cranes, 27 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and dozens of reach stackers – containers move through Koper quickly and efficiently. This means a constant supply of used equipment that, once retired from maritime transport, finds a second purpose.
Logistics advantages for Central Europe
Koper sits at the crossroads of European transport corridors. It is 450 kilometres from Milan, 500 kilometres from Vienna, and approximately 700 kilometres from Prague. A direct rail connection runs from Koper through Ljubljana, Maribor, and Graz all the way to Central Europe – so a container can travel from the port to the Czech Republic without unnecessary transshipment.
For Czech customers, this means that the transport of a container from Koper is both time- and cost-efficient. Compared to the North German ports (Hamburg, Bremerhaven), which are more than 600 kilometres from Prague, Koper offers an attractive alternative – especially if you are heading to Moravia, southern Bohemia, or Austria.
| Route | Distance from Koper |
|---|---|
| Koper – Ljubljana | 105 km |
| Koper – Vienna | 500 km |
| Koper – Prague | 700 km |
| Koper – Bratislava | 550 km |
| Koper – Budapest | 580 km |
How a modern container depot works – what to expect
Infrastructure and depot security
A modern container depot is not just a fenced area with containers. It is a professional facility with clearly defined operating standards. The Koper depot meets the demands of international logistics: containers stand on a reinforced base that prevents their movement. The entire area is illuminated for safe movement at night and in low visibility.
Security is provided by a camera system and physical access control. Only authorised persons enter the depot – staff and customers with proof of purchase. These measures protect your investment even before the container leaves the depot gate.
How containers are stored and maintained
Containers are organised in the depot in a clear manner – by size (10ft, 20ft, 40ft), type (standard, High Cube, refrigerated), and condition classification (CW, AS IS). Each container has its precise location, so there is no confusion during pickup and handling is fast.
The services of the Koper depot also include basic maintenance – cleaning, minor repairs, and possibly fumigation and PTI (pre-trip inspection) for refrigerated containers. Containers offered for sale by HZ Containers go through a selection process – only units that meet the declared condition are made available for sale.
Types and sizes of used shipping containers available in Koper
Choosing a used shipping container starts with a question: what do you need it for? The type and size depend on the answer. At the Koper depot, you will find a wide range of containers:
- Storage containers (standard DC) – a universal choice for storing tools, materials, and seasonal equipment. The most common type.
- High Cube (HC) – 30 cm taller than standard. Suitable for conversions, storing taller items, and workshops.
- Refrigerated containers (reefer) – insulated, with a cooling unit. Used for food storage, but also as technical facilities.
- Living containers – already converted or ready to be converted into housing, an office, or a mobile business.
- Construction containers – robust design, often with built-in shelves or workbenches.
- Office containers – equipped with windows, doors, insulation, and electrical installations.
| Container type | External dimensions (L × W × H) | Internal volume |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft standard | 3.05 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | approx. 15 m³ |
| 20ft standard (DC) | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | approx. 33 m³ |
| 40ft standard (DC) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | approx. 67 m³ |
| 40ft High Cube (HC) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | approx. 76 m³ |
The exact range of containers currently in stock at the Koper depot changes continuously. We add the specific list of available units manually – always based on what is currently prepared for pickup at the depot.
What does Cargo Worthy (CW) mean for a used container?
The CW (Cargo Worthy) marking means that the container is still fit for maritime transport. It has a valid CSC plate, a watertight structure, functional doors, and an intact floor. CW containers undergo regular inspections. They are the highest quality used units on the market – suitable even for more demanding purposes, such as conversion into housing.
Prices of used shipping containers – what affects the final amount
How the price of a used container is determined
The price of a used shipping container is not fixed – it depends on several factors. The main role is played by the technical condition: a CW container with a valid certification costs more than a retired unit (AS IS), which is no longer suitable for transport. Age also matters – older containers with visible corrosion or worn floors are cheaper. Size and type: a 20ft standard is the most affordable, a 40ft High Cube or a refrigerated container is more expensive.
The location of the depot itself also plays a role. Koper, as a busy port, ensures a constant supply of containers, which positively affects availability and pricing. Specific prices for individual units are listed directly with the offer – they are updated continuously based on stock levels.
Price range by type and size
While a 20ft standard CW container is priced in the range of tens of thousands of Czech crowns, a 40ft High Cube or a special refrigerated container represents a higher investment. Living and office containers – already converted – are the most expensive, as their value also includes the modifications made. The price always covers only the container itself. Transport from the depot to the destination is arranged and paid for by the buyer.
How to choose a quality used shipping container
What to focus on
When choosing a container, it pays to focus on four main points: the floor, tightness, corrosion, and doors. The wooden floor must not be rotten or broken through – its replacement is costly. Step inside for a moment – if you can see light through the seams, the container is not tight. Corrosion on the corners and door hinges is normal, but corroded-through beams or holes in the walls are a problem. The doors must open and close without excessive force.
Is a CW or AS IS container better?
A CW (Cargo Worthy) container is more expensive, but you can be sure it keeps water out, stands firm, and will last for years. It is suitable for conversions, housing, or if you plan to use the container outdoors long-term without further modifications. An AS IS (or also “retired”) container is cheaper, but expect visible wear, possible leaks, and the absence of a valid CSC plate. It is suitable for dry storage under a roof, as a construction facility for a few seasons, or for projects where you plan more extensive repairs.
Container condition classification – quick overview
| Classification | Description | Suitable use |
|---|---|---|
| CW (Cargo Worthy) | Watertight, solid structure, valid CSC plate | Transport, conversion, housing, long-term storage |
| AS IS | Functional, but with visible signs of wear, no guarantee of tightness | Dry storage, short-term projects |
| Retired (scrap) | Significant damage, non-functional doors, corrosion | Only for spare parts or after extensive renovation |
How the purchase and pickup of a container from the Koper depot works
The purchase process is straightforward. Order the container through HZ Containers – you choose the type, size, and specific unit from the current offer at the Koper depot. Once the order is confirmed, you will receive the documents required for pickup.
What do I need to pick up a container?
To pick up a container, you need proof of purchase (a document from HZ Containers) and an agreed appointment with the depot. The Koper depot serves trucks through gates G1 (Koper, 24/7 operation), G2 (Sermin), and G3 (Bertoki) – each with its own operating hours. You arrange the transport yourself. We recommend booking a carrier with a hydraulic arm or a flatbed, who will safely load and transport the container. Loading at the depot is carried out by the staff using a reach stacker – it takes just a few minutes.
Keep in mind that you may need an entry permit before entering the port area. We will provide you with information on the current entry conditions and the operating hours of the gates when your order is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a new and a used shipping container?
A new container (One Trip) has made only a single journey – from the factory to the port. It shows no signs of wear, has intact paint, and a long service life. A used container has served in maritime transport for several years. It may show minor scratches, dents, and signs of corrosion, but with the right selection (CW) it is still fully functional and significantly cheaper.
What are used shipping containers most commonly used for?
Most commonly as storage spaces – for tools, seasonal equipment, and building materials. Further, as construction facilities on building sites, mobile workshops, and garages. Conversions into living containers, offices, bars, or pop-up shops are growing in popularity.
How do I recognise quality used shipping containers from poor ones?
A quality used container has a solid floor without rot, doors that open and close smoothly, a structure without through-holes, and minimal corrosion only on the surface. A good indicator is a valid CSC plate – it confirms that the container has passed a safety inspection.
What does the CW (Cargo Worthy) marking mean for a used container?
CW means that the container meets the standards for maritime transport – it is watertight, has a solid structure, functional doors, and a valid CSC safety certificate. It represents the highest quality among used containers.
What are the dimensions of a standard 20ft shipping container?
The external dimensions of a 20ft container (20ft DC) are 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 metres (length × width × height). The internal dimensions are approximately 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 metres, with an internal volume of around 33 m³. The payload is around 28 tonnes.
Can a used shipping container be converted into housing?
Yes, used shipping containers – especially those in the CW classification – are often converted into living units. This requires insulation, the installation of windows and doors, electrical wiring, and interior cladding. The advantages are the solid steel structure, modular dimensions, and relatively low acquisition costs compared to conventional construction.
How much does transport of a container from Koper to the Czech Republic cost?
The transport cost depends on the specific route, container type, and current fuel prices. As a guideline, the transport of a 20ft container from Koper to Prague ranges between 15,000 and 25,000 CZK. Transport is arranged and paid for by the buyer – HZ Containers does not arrange transport.
Can the container be personally inspected at the Koper depot before purchase?
No, a personal inspection is not possible. However, we will be happy to provide you with all the information about the shipping container you are interested in.
Koper, Slovenia 
WITHOUT SHIPPING 
