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Accessory — Temperature Control

Heater
Pads

Keep viscous cargo pumpable from origin to discharge. Sun Flexitanks offers two purpose-built heater pad solutions — the E-Wave and Steam Heater Pad — each engineered for different cargo and infrastructure requirements.

E-Wave Heater Pad in red container
E-Wave Heater Pad
Steam Heater Pad in teal container
Steam Heater Pad
2
Pad types available
5×
Steam pad reusability
4-sided
Steam heat distribution
Carbon
E-Wave fibre material
Eco
Friendly design
Why Sun Flexitanks Heater Pads

Built for performance.
Designed for savings.

Sun Flexitanks Heater Pads are engineered to outperform generic alternatives on every metric — from heating efficiency to compliance and cost.

🌿
Eco-Friendly
Designed with sustainability in mind — reusable configurations and materials that minimise environmental impact across multiple shipments.
💰
Cost Efficient & Reliable
Significant savings on material and labour costs compared to alternative heating solutions, with proven performance across global shipping lanes.
🏆
High Quality
Superior construction compared to generic heating pads — delivering consistent, even heat distribution for optimal cargo integrity at discharge.
🚢
Shipping Compliant
Fully compliant with international shipping standards and compatible with all Sun Flexitank configurations and sizes.
⚡ E-Wave Heater Pad

Carbon Fibre
Precision Heating

The E-Wave Heater Pad uses advanced carbon fibre technology to deliver faster, more precise heating — ideal for liquid cargoes that solidify at low temperatures and require even bottom-up heating for safe discharge.

1
Faster and more efficient heating as compared to the Steam Heater Pad — significantly reducing heating time at port.
2
Carbon fibre material gives more precise control over cargo temperature — preventing overheating and maintaining product quality.
3
Even bottom heating — the cargo heats more evenly from the bottom up. Recommended for liquid cargo that solidifies when cooled, such as palm oil, animal fats, and waxes.
E-Wave Heater Pad container
E-Wave carbon fibre heater pad
♨️ Steam Heater Pad

All-Round Steam
Heat Distribution

The Steam Heater Pad circulates steam throughout the container to heat the flexitank gradually and evenly from all four sides — a cost-effective and reusable solution well-suited to standard port infrastructure.

1
Gradual all-round heating — steam stays in the container to maintain temperature and heat from all four sides simultaneously.
2
Easy installation compared to the E-Wave heater — compatible with standard hot water and steam infrastructure at most ports worldwide.
3
Reusable up to five times — delivering substantial cost savings on repeat shipments of the same cargo type.
4
Cost-effective solution — savings on both material and labour are significant compared to alternative heating methods.
Steam Heater Pad container
Steam heater pad close-up
Side by Side

E-Wave vs Steam
Heater Pad

Not sure which pad is right for your cargo? Use this comparison to find the best fit.

Feature ⚡ E-Wave ♨️ Steam
Heating speed Faster & more efficient Gradual
Heat source Electric (carbon fibre) Hot water or steam
Heat distribution Even bottom-up heating All four sides
Temperature control Precise (carbon fibre) Moderate
Installation complexity More complex Easier
Reusability Single use Up to 5 times
Best for Solidifying cargoes (palm oil, waxes, fats) General viscous liquid cargoes
Port infrastructure needed Electrical supply Steam / hot water supply
Melting diagram — steam vs E-wave heating
Melting direction comparison: Steam Heater Pad (radial) vs E-Wave Heater Pad (uniform upward)
Performance Data

Temperature Change Trends

Independently recorded temperature data comparing E-Wave and Steam Heater Pad performance across 24,000 litre cargo loads.

Change in 24KL water temperature
Change in 24KL Water Temperature
E-Wave vs Steam — heating rate comparison
Change in 24KL water and ambient temperature
Water Temperature vs Ambient Temperature
E-Wave vs Steam — performance in real ambient conditions
Quality Assurance

Certified & Compliant

Sun Flexitanks Heater Pads meet international standards for use with food-grade and chemical bulk liquid cargo.

SGS Certified
ISO 9001 & 14001
FDA Approved
COA Container Owners Association
Common Questions

Heater Pads FAQ

Everything you need to know before specifying a heater pad for your shipment.

Which heater pad should I choose for my cargo? +
For cargoes that solidify when cooled — such as palm oil, animal fats, or waxes — the E-Wave Heater Pad is recommended due to its faster, bottom-up heating. For general viscous liquid cargoes where gradual all-round heating is sufficient, the Steam Heater Pad is the more cost-effective choice.
Can the Steam Heater Pad be reused? +
Yes — the Steam Heater Pad can be reused up to five times, making it a highly cost-effective solution for regular shipments on the same trade lane.
What infrastructure is needed at port for each pad type? +
The E-Wave Heater Pad requires an electrical supply at the discharge port. The Steam Heater Pad uses hot water or steam, which is available at most major ports worldwide, making it easier to deploy in a wider range of locations.
Are heater pads compatible with all Sun Flexitank types? +
Yes — both heater pad types are compatible with all Sun Flexitank configurations, including the standard Flexitank and Vinotank, across all capacity sizes from 16,000L to 24,000L.
Can heater pads be added after ordering a Flexitank? +
Heater pads can be specified at the time of order or arranged separately. Contact our team as early as possible so we can ensure the correct configuration is prepared and shipped together with your Flexitank.
What cargoes are heater pads typically used for? +
Heater pads are commonly used for palm oil, crude palm kernel oil, animal fats, tallow, technical tallows, waxes, and other cargoes with elevated pour points that require heating to remain pumpable during discharge.
Further reading

Guides from our team

Explore the rangeFlexitankVinotankReefer FlexitanksStorage Tanks
Product Guide
E-Wave vs Steam Heater Pads: Which Is Right for Your Cargo?

Both the E-Wave and Steam Heater Pad work. But they work differently — and choosing the right one can make a significant difference to your discharge…
Product Guide
A Complete Guide to Flexitank Loading and Discharge

A well-loaded, properly discharged flexitank is a seamless operation. Here's everything you need to know at each stage.
Industry Insights
Why Flexitanks Are Replacing Drums in Bulk Liquid Shipping

For decades, steel drums were the default choice for shipping bulk liquids. Here's why flexitanks are rapidly taking over.

More answers in our frequently asked questions, or read about Sun Flexitanks and our 20+ years in bulk liquid transport.

Need to keep your cargo
at temperature?

Talk to our team about the right heater pad solution for your cargo type and shipping route.