Cut out windows in a 40-foot container?

[P_Olsson]

Hello!
I have bought a used 40-foot container that is a "high cube" model, which means the dimensions are 12.20 meters long, 2.40 meters wide, and 2.90 meters high.

I plan to use it as a temporary workshop while my girlfriend and I build a house. It will be internally framed, insulated with foam plastic, and clad with panels.

Now to the question: Can I cut out windows in the container and a door without weakening the structure? I have the container at my job and will then move it to the plot once it's finished and ready. I'm worried it might collapse in the middle when lifted with a crane truck.
You're probably wondering where I want to have windows and a door. I've made a small model on the computer to show how it could look.
I think maybe I shouldn't have such narrow windows as in the model.

 

[Thomas_Blekinge]

Just to be safe: consider applying for a building permit.

 

[Matti_75]

You have a steel frame that goes around the entire container, but the metal sheet is also load-bearing. You can cut holes, but it's better if they are tall and narrow rather than the opposite. It's fine to cut with a circular saw for metal.

 

[P_Olsson]

Okay suspected that but should probably try to have some window anyway and see if I can weld some angle iron around those holes to reinforce the corrected sheet metal.

 

[Matti_75]

Okay, I suspected that but I will probably try to have some kind of window anyway and see if I can weld some angle iron around those holes to brace the corrugated sheet.

The sheet itself is not the problem, but you probably need to put in some columns to support the roof.

 

[C.Lundin]

The sheet itself is not the problem, but you might need to install a pillar to support the roof

Are you sure about this? I don't have much experience with a 40-footer, but on a 20-footer, you can remove an entire long side without causing any harm.
Isn't the frame of a 40-footer designed to be load-bearing on its own?