Ocean Freight Dubai & UAE
Sea Freight via Jebel Ali — World-Class Container Port on Your Doorstep
Emirates Freight operates ocean freight services from Jebel Ali Port — the Middle East’s premier container hub. LCL, FCL, RoRo, and special cargo to any destination worldwide.
Your UAE Ocean Freight partner
Ocean freight is the most cost-effective method for shipping large volumes of goods internationally. The UAE’s strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa — combined with Jebel Ali’s world-class infrastructure — makes Dubai one of the best ocean freight hubs in the world.
Emirates Freight operates FCL and LCL ocean freight services from Jebel Ali Port (JAXB), Port Rashid, Khalifa Port (KIZAD) in Abu Dhabi, and Port of Fujairah — giving you flexibility and competitive rates across all UAE trade lanes.
Ocean Freight Services
FCL — Full Container Load
Dedicated 20', 40', or 40'HC containers. Best for shipments over 15 CBM. Most secure option.
LCL — Less Than Container
Share container space. Ideal for 0.5–15 CBM. Weekly consolidations from Jebel Ali CFS.
RoRo — Roll-on/Roll-off
Vehicles, machinery, and wheeled cargo loaded directly onto RoRo vessels at Jebel Ali.
Bulk & Break Bulk
Project cargo, oversized machinery, out-of-gauge (OOG) loads. Specialized equipment and expertise.
UAE Ports — More Options, More Flexibility
Jebel Ali Port (JAXB)
Dubai's main container port — 9th busiest globally. World-class DP World operations. Daily sailings to 130+ countries.
Khalifa Port (KIZAD)
Abu Dhabi's flagship deep-water port. 3.5M TEU capacity. Strong for South Asian and African trades.
Port of Fujairah
UAE's eastern coast — East of Suez advantage. Major bunkering hub. Strong for Indian Ocean trade routes.
Port Rashid, Dubai
Historic Dubai port. Passenger vessels, RoRo, and general cargo. City-center location convenience.
Ocean Freight Routes from UAE
UAE → USA West Coast
18–22 days | LA, Long Beach, Oakland | Via Suez Canal
UAE → USA East Coast
25–30 days | NY, Savannah, Houston | Via Suez Canal
UAE → UK
18–24 days | Felixstowe, Southampton | Weekly services
UAE → Europe
16–22 days | Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp | Multiple carriers
UAE → China
10–16 days | Shanghai, Shenzhen, Qingdao | Frequent direct
UAE → India
4–8 days | JNPT Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Chennai | Short sea
UAE → East Africa
8–14 days | Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Beira
UAE → South Africa
18–24 days | Durban, Cape Town | Via Mozambique Channel
UAE → Australia/NZ
20–28 days | Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland
How to move your UAE Ocean Freight
1. Get Your Quote
Tell us your cargo details — mode (FCL/LCL), origin, destination, dimensions. Competitive rates within 4 hours.
2. Cargo Collection
We arrange pickup from your facility or factory anywhere in the UAE and deliver to the port CFS or terminal.
3. Vessel Loading
Your cargo is loaded and sealed. You receive Bill of Lading, vessel name, and ETD/ETA details.
4. Destination Delivery
We coordinate destination customs clearance and arrange last-mile delivery to your consignee's address.
Why Dubai Businesses Choose Emirates Freight for Ocean Freight
Jebel Ali Specialists
Daily operations at Jebel Ali Port since our founding. We know the terminals, the agents, and the schedules.
Global Network
Part of World Class Shipping (wcscargo.com) — 150+ country network built over 38 years.
Competitive Rates
Multi-carrier rate comparison across MSC, COSCO, Evergreen, CMA CGM, and regional carriers.
Dedicated Freight Agent
One named agent handles your shipment — you always know who to call.
All Documentation
B/L, COO, EUR.1, ATA Carnets, and all UAE customs documents prepared by our team.
Door to Door
Factory pickup in origin country to your UAE warehouse — or UAE CFS to destination door.
Ocean Freight FAQ — Dubai & UAE
How long does ocean freight from UAE to USA take?
Typically 18–22 days to West Coast and 25–30 days to East Coast from Jebel Ali, depending on the service and routing.
What is the minimum cargo size for LCL?
There's no minimum. We regularly handle shipments as small as 0.5 CBM or 50 kg.
Can I track my ocean freight shipment?
Yes — we provide a Bill of Lading number and access to carrier tracking. We also send proactive updates.
Do you handle dangerous goods (DG) by sea?
Yes, subject to IMDG Code compliance. Our team certifies DG documentation and ensures correct stowage.
Do I need a customs broker for UAE imports?
Yes, for commercial imports you need a licensed customs declarant. Emirates Freight provides this service.
What's the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL = dedicated container. LCL = shared container. FCL is cheaper per CBM above ~15 CBM; LCL is better for smaller shipments.
Jebel Ali Port — Gateway to Global Ocean Freight
Jebel Ali is the largest port in the Middle East and one of the top 10 container ports globally. With 67 berths and an annual throughput exceeding 15 million TEU, it is the commercial backbone of Dubai's trade network.
15+ Million TEU Annual Capacity
Middle East's largest container throughput. Direct connections to 150+ shipping lines.
67 Berths, 4 Terminals
World's largest man-made port. DP World-operated, 24/7 year-round operations.
Adjacent to JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone on-port access. Seamless cross-docking, bonded warehousing, customs pre-clearance.
Ocean Freight Transit Times from Dubai
Estimated sea freight transit times from Jebel Ali Port to major world ports. FCL and LCL consolidated services available on all routes.
| Destination Port | Transit Days (Approx.) | Service Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai / JNPT, India | 4–6 days | Direct |
| Shanghai, China | 16–20 days | Direct / transhipment |
| Rotterdam, Netherlands | 20–25 days | Direct |
| Felixstowe, UK | 22–26 days | Direct / via Suez |
| New York / Newark, USA | 20–28 days | Transhipment |
| Hamburg, Germany | 20–24 days | Direct |
| Mombasa, Kenya | 8–12 days | Direct |
| Durban, South Africa | 14–18 days | Direct |
| Singapore | 8–12 days | Direct |
| Sydney, Australia | 20–26 days | Transhipment |
FCL vs LCL from Dubai: Choosing the Right Service
FCL Full Container Load
Best for shipments over 15 CBM. You rent the entire container (20ft or 40ft). Faster transit — no waiting for consolidation. Lower per-unit cost at high volume. Maximum cargo security — no other goods sharing space.
Ideal for: high-value goods, fragile cargo, regular large-volume shippers.
LCL Less Than Container Load
Best for shipments under 15 CBM. You pay only for the space you use. Goods consolidated with other shippers' cargo. Slightly longer transit — consolidation and deconsolidation required.
Ideal for: smaller businesses, sample shipments, new import/export routes, cost-sensitive cargo.
Dubai Ocean Freight — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping from Dubai?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book the entire container — 20ft or 40ft — ideal for large shipments over 15 CBM. LCL (Less Than Container Load) means your cargo shares space with other shippers, paying only for your volume. Our team will recommend the most cost-effective option for your shipment size.
How long does ocean freight from Dubai to China take?
Ocean freight from Jebel Ali to Shanghai typically takes 16–20 days depending on the shipping line and routing. Express services with fewer transshipments can reduce this to 14–16 days. Air freight is available for time-sensitive China cargo (2–3 days).
What are the main shipping lines operating from Jebel Ali?
Jebel Ali is served by over 150 shipping lines including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, COSCO, and Emirates Shipping Line. Emirates Freight works with all major carriers to secure competitive rates and reliable schedules.
Do I need a freight forwarder for ocean freight from Dubai?
While it is technically possible to ship direct, a licensed UAE freight forwarder like Emirates Freight manages customs documentation, export declarations, bill of lading, cargo insurance, and last-mile delivery — saving time, reducing errors, and often securing better carrier rates.