Most chlorine is used at the site where it is made, and is not stored or transported at all. However, since it is used by industry to make such a diverse range of products, it is inevitable that some must be transported. Railways are the main method of transport, Stringent safety measures are taken during transport. Chlorine is transported in specially-designed steel containers, ranging from cylinders carrying a few kilograms of chlorine to road and rail tank wagons containing several tonnes.
In Europe, the Regulations concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID), were recently upgraded for chlorine rail tankers. Chlorine transport in Europe has been declining. In 1995, 15% of Western European chlorine production was transported in Europe. In 2005, 761,000 tonnes of chlorine (less than 10 % of the amount produced) were transported in Europe, of which more than 75% was shipped by rail.
A Europe-wide chlorine transport emergency system is in place which provides expert technical assistance where needed. Bulk chlorine has been shipped throughout Europe for almost 50 years without a single fatality.
