Abstract: The invention relates to thermally-insulating containers particularly for liquefied gas tankers. It is known to use sprayed polyurethane foam for insulating the cargo tanks, but because of stresses in use load bearing "corners" are required for anchoring the layers. Such corners have previously been provided by the use of frames of balsa-wood. The invention provides the use of sheet material of curved configuration welded along the corners which are designed such that the foam can be applied directly thereto, the arrangement providing corners of sufficient strength for anchoring. The space behind the sheets may be filled with inert gas and can be used for water drainage.

Abstract: Large-scale cryogenic tanks such as for L.N.G. are supported on spaced-apart wooden bearer members which are part of the outer insulation. The weight of the loaded tank causes the floor of the tank to deflect on each side of the bearer members so that the loading increases to a degree that sometimes crushes the edges of the bearer members. Means are described for obviating this effect by inserts of resilient material extending inwardly from the sides of the bearer members, permitting sufficient deflection of the top edges of the bearer members to spread the load more uniformly over the bearer member.