The West Bromwich contractor has teamed up with Chinese industrial and construction giant China International Marine Containers to deliver the London hotel.
Hotel modules are being produced in a Chinese factory and then shipped to the UK for assembly by Anglo Holt.
The first batch of modules, which come complete with decoration, furniture and all fittings, are being put in place as the hotel begins to take shape at the Royal Albert Dock in London.
The 204-bedroom hotel site is adjacent to City Airport and is in an area undergoing extensive regeneration.
CIMC Group is a diversified industrial group producing sea containers, modular building systems, energy, chemical and food equipment and offshore facilities.
Anglo Holt managing director Andy Elwell said it was the biggest project of its type yet undertaken in the UK by CIMC and the first time the two companies have worked together.
He said: “The CIMC modular system is a fantastic innovation and the quality of each container is very good.
“There is an enormous amount of interest in this system and other hotel operators are considering similar modular systems for the construction of new hotels of various brands in the UK.
“From a construction point of view, it reduces the amount of time on site, assist with quality control, and is considered to be safer, quieter and cleaner than traditional construction methods. Our experience so far would certainly support that.”
CIMC spokesman Paul Blackmore said: “This efficient process is based on flawless design co-operation from both sides, enabling our modules to fit well with the foundation functionally and technically.
“One of the most obvious advantages of parallel work is the enhancement of work efficiency and time saving. It is also an environmentally-friendly option, with on-site waste reduced by around 10% to 15%.”
The first shipping container hotel in the UK was pioneered by Travelodge at Uxbridge back in 2008 using a similar system. The group later built others at a Warminster and Heathrow but the new Holiday Inn Express is the biggest hotel so far.
