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. 18-22 days to Lagos. 16-21 days to Jeddah. We find you the best rate on every route.
Our Solutions
Ocean Freight Forwarding Services
We work with all major shipping lines to get you competitive rates and guaranteed space. A few pallets or a whole vessel -- we handle every detail from your warehouse to the final destination door.
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. You pay only for the cubic metres you use. 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.
- No minimum shipment size
- Weekly departures to key routes
- Pay only for space used
- 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 Transit Times from the UK
| Destination | Port | Transit (days) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | Lagos (Apapa/Tin Can) | 18-22 |
| Ghana | Tema | 16-20 |
| Kenya | Mombasa | 25-30 |
| South Africa | Durban / Cape Town | 22-28 |
| Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | 25-32 |
| UAE | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 18-22 |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah / Dammam | 16-21 |
| Senegal | Dakar | 12-16 |
| Ethiopia | Djibouti (transit) | 28-35 |
Transit times are indicative and based on direct services where available. Actual times may vary depending 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?
Container shipping to Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island) typically takes 18-22 days from UK ports. Transit can vary depending on the shipping line, whether the service is direct or via transhipment, and any port congestion at either end. We always advise the most realistic transit time at the point of quoting.
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?
Yes. We handle all classes of dangerous goods by sea under the IMDG Code. Chemicals, paint, batteries, flammable liquids and other regulated commodities. Our DG team manages classification, packing, labelling and all documentation.
Do I need marine cargo insurance for sea freight?
We strongly recommend it. Shipping line liability is extremely limited -- typically around USD 500 per package regardless of the actual value. We arrange all-risks marine cargo insurance for individual shipments or annual open policies for regular shippers.
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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.