Sea Freight & Ocean Freight UK
We ship FCL and LCL ocean freight from every major UK port to Africa, the Middle East and worldwide. Single pallets to full containers to heavy project cargo. Tell us your cargo-ready date and delivery deadline. We confirm available routing, estimated transit time and quotation scope for your shipment.
Our Solutions
Ocean Freight Forwarding Services
We assess shipping options for your cargo, from shared-container loads to full containers and project shipments. Space, rates, collection and destination delivery are subject to confirmation for the selected service before booking.
Full Container Load (FCL)
If you have enough cargo to fill a 20ft or 40ft container, FCL is the most cost-effective way to ship. Your goods travel sealed from origin to destination with minimal handling. We manage container collection, loading, shipping line booking, customs clearance and delivery.
Standard dry, high-cube, flat-rack, open-top and refrigerated containers available. We ship from Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Tilbury and Liverpool to ports across Africa, the Middle East and worldwide.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
Do not need a whole container? LCL lets you share space with other shipments heading the same way. Charges depend on the packed volume or weight, applicable minimums and handling. Good for smaller shipments, regular stock top-ups and testing new markets without committing to a full container.
Weekly LCL departures to key African and Middle Eastern ports from our UK consolidation warehouses. We handle grouping, stuffing, documentation and de-consolidation at the other end.
- Minimum charges confirmed in quote
- Weekly departures to key routes
- Volume, minimums and handling confirmed
- Full cargo insurance available
- Door-to-door service
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo)
RoRo is the best way to ship vehicles, heavy machinery and agricultural equipment. Your vehicle or machine drives or gets towed directly onto the vessel. No crane loading, less risk of damage.
We arrange RoRo from UK ports to West Africa, East Africa and the Middle East. Vehicle export documentation, pre-shipment inspections and destination customs all handled. Used by construction firms, mining operators, vehicle dealers and equipment suppliers.
Project Cargo & Break-Bulk
Too big for a container? Our project cargo team handles oversized and heavy shipments. Break-bulk loading, flat-rack containers, heavy-lift vessel charters and multi-modal transport combining sea, road and air.
We have shipped oil and gas equipment, power generation plant, mining machinery and infrastructure materials to some of the most challenging destinations in Africa and the Middle East. Every project gets a dedicated manager overseeing surveys, route planning, permits and on-site delivery.
Transit Times
Sea Freight Routes and Transit Planning
| Destination | Port | Transit estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | Lagos (Apapa/Tin Can) | Confirm in quote |
| Ghana | Tema | Confirm in quote |
| Kenya | Mombasa | Confirm in quote |
| South Africa | Durban / Cape Town | Confirm in quote |
| Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | Confirm in quote |
| UAE | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | Confirm in quote |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah / Dammam | Confirm in quote |
| Senegal | Dakar | Confirm in quote |
| Ethiopia | Djibouti (transit) | Confirm in quote |
Request a current transit estimate for your cargo-ready date. Routes and journey times depend on shipping line schedules, port congestion and customs processing.
FAQ
Sea Freight FAQs
When is sea freight cheaper than air freight?
As a rule, anything over 500kg or 2 cubic metres is usually cheaper by sea. If your shipment is not time-critical, sea freight can cost a fraction of air cargo rates. We are happy to quote both options so you can compare and decide.
How long does sea freight take from the UK to Nigeria?
The estimate depends on the sailing, transhipment, port conditions and final delivery arrangements. Tell us when the cargo is ready and when it is needed. Ask for the current port-to-port estimate and any additional collection, clearance and inland delivery time in your quote.
What documents do I need for UK sea freight exports?
You will need a commercial invoice, packing list and any commodity-specific certificates such as phytosanitary certificates for food or certificates of origin for preferential duty rates. We prepare the bill of lading and all shipping documentation on your behalf.
Can you ship dangerous goods by sea?
Contact us with the goods description, safety data sheet where applicable, UN number and packing details. Acceptance depends on the goods, packing, route and carrier. Our team must confirm the available service and requirements before you send the cargo.
Do I need marine cargo insurance for sea freight?
Ask about cargo insurance when requesting your quote. Carrier liability and cargo insurance are different. Any cover, value limits, exclusions and premium should be confirmed in writing before booking.
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Learn moreGet a competitive sea freight quote
Tell us about your shipment and our ocean freight team will come back with routing options, transit times and pricing.