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Fish Oil Transportation in Morocco and South Africa: 27,000 Litre Flexitanks and H-Flex Solutions for Changing Supply Conditions

How 27,000-litre Jumbo Flexitanks and up to 20 times faster heating technology are helping transform fish oil logistics across Africa and international markets.

Two Atlantic Coastlines, Two Different Fish Oil Stories

Morocco and South Africa are two important participants in the global marine ingredients industry. Both countries have access to the Atlantic Ocean, established fishing industries and commercial connections to international fishmeal and fish oil markets.

Yet their fisheries have experienced very different challenges.

Recent industry conferences and market discussions have highlighted a striking contrast: while South Africa has faced significant difficulties with the availability and processing of certain small pelagic fish species, Morocco continues to be an important source of sardines and other marine resources.

The situation is more complex than simply saying that one country has fish and the other does not.

Fish populations fluctuate with ocean temperatures, nutrient availability, fishing pressure, environmental conditions and fisheries management decisions. These fluctuations directly influence the availability of raw materials for fish oil production.

For producers, traders and international buyers, this creates an increasingly important question:

How can the fish oil industry improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs and maintain product quality when raw material availability and production volumes are constantly changing?

LiquA addresses this challenge through its high-capacity **27,000-litre Jumbo Flexitank** solutions and patented **H-Flex Steam Liner**, an integrated heating system designed to deliver up to 20 times faster heating than conventional flexitank heater pads under suitable operating conditions.

With solutions serving the fish oil logistics requirements of both Morocco and South Africa, LiquA brings advanced bulk liquid transportation technology to two important African markets.

South Africa: A Fish Oil Industry Facing Supply Challenges

South Africa has a long-established fishing industry, particularly along its western coastline, where the nutrient-rich Benguela Current supports important populations of anchovies, sardines and other small pelagic species.

These fish are essential raw materials for fishmeal and fish oil production.

However, fishing conditions and industrial landings can vary substantially from year to year.

According to Oceana Group's financial results for the six months ending March 2026, production volumes in its African fishmeal and fish oil operations declined by 68% compared with the corresponding period in the previous year.

The company attributed this decline primarily to reduced industrial fish landings, including weaker red-eye herring catches and constraints affecting anchovy fishing.

This does not mean that South African waters have run out of fish. It demonstrates how sensitive the fish oil industry can be to changing fishing conditions and resource management decisions.

Why declining catches matter for fish oil exporters

When raw material availability decreases, fish oil producers face several operational challenges:

- Lower production volumes can increase fixed production costs per tonne.

- Unpredictable supply can complicate export commitments.

- Buyers may need to source fish oil from additional countries.

- Storage and logistics flexibility become increasingly important.

- Transportation efficiency becomes a critical component of competitiveness.

In a market where production volumes can fluctuate significantly, maximizing the amount of fish oil transported in each container can create a meaningful commercial advantage.

This is where high-capacity bulk liquid transportation becomes particularly valuable.

Morocco: A Major Atlantic Fishing and Marine Ingredients Market

On the opposite side of Africa, Morocco occupies an important position in the international fishing industry.

Its extensive Atlantic coastline supports substantial populations of small pelagic fish, particularly sardines.

According to the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA), Morocco accounted for approximately 57% of global sardine catches in 2023.

Morocco is also an important supplier of fishmeal to international markets.

However, abundant marine resources do not guarantee unlimited production. Morocco has also experienced fluctuations in sardine landings, changes in fish distribution and increasing pressure on certain fisheries.

This makes sustainable fisheries management and efficient processing essential for the country's long-term competitiveness.

From Moroccan fishing ports to international fish oil buyers

Fish oil produced in Morocco can enter several international value chains, including:

- Aquaculture feed production

- Omega-3 and nutritional ingredient processing

- Animal nutrition

- Pet food manufacturing

- Pharmaceutical and industrial applications

These industries require reliable bulk transportation systems capable of moving significant volumes of fish oil while maintaining suitable handling and quality conditions.

As international buyers seek competitive sourcing options, efficient transportation from Morocco becomes an important part of the overall supply chain.

LiquA's Jumbo Flexitank and H-Flex Steam Liner technologies offer solutions designed for these requirements.

Why Fish Oil Transportation Requires Specialized Logistics

Fish oil is not an ordinary bulk liquid.

Its physical characteristics, oxidation sensitivity and temperature-dependent handling requirements make transportation and discharge more complicated than for many other liquid commodities.

Depending on its composition and processing history, fish oil may become more viscous or partially solidify during transportation, particularly when exposed to low temperatures.

This creates operational challenges at the destination.

A container may arrive safely, but the receiver can still face substantial delays if the fish oil cannot be pumped efficiently.

Conventional flexitank systems frequently rely on heater pads installed underneath the cargo.

These systems transfer heat from a relatively limited surface area, potentially requiring extended heating periods before the product becomes sufficiently fluid for discharge.

The consequences can include longer container occupation, additional steam consumption, increased labor requirements, terminal congestion and higher overall logistics costs.

For the international fish oil industry, efficient heating is therefore not simply a technical convenience.

**It can be a major factor in the total landed cost of the product.**

LiquA Jumbo Flexitank: Transport Up to 27,000 Litres of Fish Oil in One Container

One of the most effective ways to improve bulk liquid logistics is to increase the payload transported in each shipment.

LiquA has developed high-capacity Jumbo Flexitank solutions designed to transport up to **27,000 litres or approximately 24 metric tonnes of fish oil in a standard 20-foot shipping container**, subject to cargo density, container suitability and applicable weight restrictions.

This capacity provides a significant advantage over conventional flexitank systems with lower loading volumes.

More fish oil per container

Consider a comparison between a conventional 24,000-litre flexitank and a LiquA 27,000-litre Jumbo Flexitank.

In this illustrative scenario, the higher-capacity solution requires two fewer containers to transport the same total volume.

Actual savings depend on the cargo's density, permitted payload, route and operating conditions.

Nevertheless, the potential economic advantages are clear.

Fewer containers may mean lower freight expenditure per litre, fewer container movements, reduced handling requirements and more efficient use of transportation infrastructure.

For fish oil exporters in Morocco and South Africa, these efficiencies can make a meaningful difference in international competitiveness.

Improving environmental performance through transportation efficiency

Higher payload efficiency can also contribute to sustainability objectives.

Transporting more product per container can reduce the number of shipments required for a given quantity of fish oil.

This may reduce container handling, repositioning requirements and the transport-related environmental impact per litre shipped.

The actual carbon footprint benefit depends on the transportation route, loading conditions and logistics network, but improving container utilization is an important starting point.

H-Flex Steam Liner: Up to 20 Times Faster Heating for Fish Oil

Increasing transportation capacity is only one part of the equation.

The second challenge is ensuring that fish oil can be discharged efficiently when it reaches its destination.

LiquA developed the patented **H-Flex Steam Liner** to address this problem.

Unlike conventional flexitank heater pads that primarily transfer heat from underneath the cargo, the H-Flex system incorporates an integrated steam-heating arrangement designed to distribute heat over a substantially larger area.

This improves heat transfer and helps bring the cargo to a suitable pumping condition more quickly.

How does the H-Flex Steam Liner work?

The system uses steam circulation around the flexitank to deliver heat more effectively to the liquid cargo.

Instead of relying exclusively on bottom heating, the integrated steam liner provides a broader heat-transfer interface.

This helps address one of the main limitations of conventional heating systems: uneven heating, where the lower layers of the cargo may become liquid while other sections remain too viscous or solid for efficient discharge.

The H-Flex Steam Liner is designed to achieve more homogeneous heating, shorten the overall heating process and facilitate faster unloading.

According to LiquA's published product performance information, H-Flex can provide heating up to 20 times faster than conventional flexitank heater pads.

The actual heating time depends on the type of fish oil, its initial temperature, composition, ambient conditions, available steam capacity and required discharge temperature.

Why faster heating can also be more economical

A heating system should not be evaluated only by the temperature it can achieve.

The total cost of heating also includes the time, equipment, labor and infrastructure required to complete the operation.

A faster heating process can reduce:

- Steam-system operating hours

- Heating station occupation

- Container detention and waiting time

- Labor and supervision requirements

- Delays in downstream production

- Operational bottlenecks at the receiving facility

Faster heating may also reduce total energy consumption when the system minimizes heat losses and delivers energy more efficiently.

However, heating speed and energy savings are not identical measurements. Actual steam and energy savings should be assessed under comparable operating conditions.

For fish oil receivers processing multiple containers every week, reducing heating and discharge times can substantially improve facility throughput.

The Combined Advantage: 27,000 Litres and Integrated Heating

The real commercial value of LiquA's technology becomes apparent when higher loading capacity and faster heating are considered together.

Traditional bulk liquid logistics often force exporters and receivers to compromise between payload, discharge performance and operating cost.

LiquA's H-Flex solution is designed to address these requirements within one integrated system.

A fish oil exporter can potentially transport more product in each container, while the receiver benefits from a heating arrangement developed for faster and more effective discharge.

This creates advantages throughout the supply chain.

For exporters, the objective is to reduce transportation cost per tonne.

For traders, the objective is to improve supply chain reliability and protect commercial margins.

For importers and processors, the objective is to reduce heating delays, accelerate unloading and improve operational flexibility.

For the wider industry, the objective is to move more fish oil using fewer logistical resources.

Fish Oil Quality: Why Transportation Conditions Matter

Transportation efficiency should never come at the expense of product quality.

Fish oil contains unsaturated fatty acids that are susceptible to oxidation.

Excessive oxygen exposure, unsuitable storage conditions and inappropriate temperature management can contribute to quality deterioration.

Depending on the product's intended use, important quality parameters may include peroxide value, anisidine value, free fatty acid content and other indicators of oxidation or degradation.

For this reason, selecting a fish oil transportation system requires more than evaluating capacity and freight cost.

The packaging material, filling conditions, oxygen exposure, temperature profile and discharge procedures must also be considered.

LiquA designs specialized flexitank solutions for the bulk transportation of sensitive liquid cargoes, including fish oil.

Its high-capacity designs and integrated heating technologies are intended to combine transportation efficiency with appropriate cargo handling.

Specific material compatibility, quality requirements and heating procedures should always be evaluated according to the characteristics of the fish oil being transported.

Serving Fish Oil Logistics in Morocco and South Africa

Although Morocco and South Africa face different fisheries conditions, exporters in both countries share several logistical priorities.

They need competitive international freight solutions, dependable bulk liquid packaging, efficient container utilization and reliable discharge operations.

LiquA provides advanced flexitank solutions for fish oil transportation requirements in both markets.

Fish oil transportation solutions for Morocco

Moroccan fish oil producers and exporters can benefit from high-capacity flexitank transportation for shipments to international buyers.

LiquA's 27,000-litre Jumbo Flexitank technology is designed to improve the quantity of product transported per container, while H-Flex offers an integrated heating solution for shipments requiring reheating at the destination.

These solutions are particularly relevant to exporters serving aquaculture, animal nutrition and marine ingredient processing markets.

Fish oil transportation solutions for South Africa

In South Africa, where production conditions and raw material availability can fluctuate, transportation efficiency is particularly important.

When available production volumes are limited or unpredictable, minimizing logistics costs and ensuring reliable delivery becomes essential.

LiquA's high-capacity flexitanks can help exporters optimize available shipping capacity.

For fish oils requiring temperature management before discharge, H-Flex provides an alternative to conventional heater-pad systems.

In both countries, the objective is the same: to improve the efficiency and economics of international fish oil transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Oil Transportation

What is the best way to transport fish oil in bulk?

For suitable non-hazardous fish oil shipments, food-grade flexitanks installed in 20-foot shipping containers can offer an efficient alternative to drums, IBCs and certain tank-container operations. The best solution depends on shipment size, product specifications, route, handling requirements and receiving facilities.

How much fish oil can a 20-foot container carry?

LiquA's high-capacity Jumbo Flexitank systems are designed for up to 27,000 litres or approximately 24 metric tonnes of fish oil, subject to applicable weight limits and cargo characteristics.

Does fish oil need heating before discharge?

Some fish oils may require heating when their viscosity increases or they partially solidify during transportation. Heating requirements depend on the composition of the oil and its temperature at arrival.

How does the H-Flex Steam Liner differ from conventional heater pads?

Conventional heater pads primarily heat the cargo from underneath. LiquA's H-Flex Steam Liner uses an integrated steam-heating arrangement that distributes heat over a larger area, allowing faster and more homogeneous heating.

Can H-Flex heat fish oil 20 times faster?

LiquA reports heating performance of up to 20 times faster than conventional flexitank heater pads under suitable conditions. Actual results depend on cargo properties, temperature, steam availability and operating procedures.

Does faster heating reduce fish oil transportation costs?

Faster heating can reduce heating-system occupation, labor requirements, discharge delays and container detention. Potential energy savings depend on the efficiency of the overall heating process and must be evaluated for each operation.

Is Morocco an important fish oil and fishmeal market?

Yes. Morocco is a major fishing country and an important supplier of marine ingredients. Its substantial small pelagic fisheries support processing industries, although catches and raw material availability fluctuate.

Has South Africa run out of fish?

No. South Africa continues to have significant fisheries resources, but certain small pelagic fisheries and fishmeal and fish oil operations have experienced reduced catches and production volumes.

Does LiquA provide fish oil transportation solutions for Morocco and South Africa?

Yes. LiquA offers high-capacity flexitank and integrated heating solutions applicable to fish oil export and import operations in both markets. Shipment suitability and local service arrangements should be confirmed for each project.

The Future of Fish Oil Logistics: More Capacity, Less Waiting, Better Economics

The global fish oil industry is entering a period in which resource availability, sustainability and supply chain efficiency are becoming increasingly interconnected.

Morocco and South Africa illustrate this challenge.

One country has a major share of global sardine catches, while the other has experienced significant difficulties in certain industrial fishing operations.

Neither market is immune to environmental fluctuations, resource management decisions or changes in international demand.

What producers and exporters can control, however, is the efficiency of their logistics.

Higher container payloads, faster heating, reduced waiting times and improved discharge operations can all contribute to a more competitive supply chain.

LiquA's 27,000-litre Jumbo Flexitank and patented H-Flex Steam Liner technologies are designed around these priorities.

**Up to 27,000 litres of fish oil per container. Up to 20 times faster heating. More efficient bulk liquid logistics.**

For fish oil producers, exporters, traders and receivers in Morocco, South Africa and international markets, LiquA offers an innovative approach to moving valuable marine ingredients more efficiently.

Looking for a More Efficient Fish Oil Transportation Solution?

Whether you are exporting fish oil from Morocco, shipping marine ingredients from South Africa or receiving bulk fish oil at an international processing facility, LiquA can help you evaluate a transportation solution suited to your cargo and logistics requirements.

Explore our technologies:

Fish Oil Transportation Solutions

H-Flex Steam Liner — Integrated Heating Technology

LiquA Flexitanks

LiquA — Advanced Flexitank Technology for Smarter Bulk Liquid Logistics.

Industry References

1. **Oceana Group Limited**, Interim Financial Results, six months ended 31 March 2026. Information on South African industrial fish landings and fishmeal and fish oil production.

2. **European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA)**, Sardine Species Profile. International sardine catch statistics and Morocco's market position.

3. **EUMOFA**, Fishmeal and Fish Oil, 2025 Edition. Global marine ingredients production and international trade.

4. **FAO GLOBEFISH**, Fishmeal and Fish Oil Market Analysis, 2026. International production trends and supply conditions.

5. **LiquA**, Fish Oil Transport Services and H-Flex Steam Liner product documentation. Flexitank capacity and heating performance information.

*Performance figures are subject to cargo characteristics, container limitations and operating conditions. Product specifications and shipping arrangements should be confirmed with LiquA before shipment.*