Sea freight
The transportation of goods by sea using cargo ships.
The most common method of international shipping – accounting for about 90% of global trade by volume.
Particularly suited for transporting large quantities of goods over long distances at a relatively low cost.
Types of Sea Freight Services
Full Container Load (FCL):
Provides exclusive use of the container for 1 consignee, offering better security and lower risk of damage.
Less than Container Load (LCL):
Multiple shippers and consignees share space within a single container.
Cost-effective for smaller shipments but can involve longer transit times due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo):
Used for vehicles and wheeled cargo.
Goods are driven on and off the vessel on their own wheels or using platforms.
Bulk Shipping:
Used for large quantities of unpackaged bulk commodities like grains, coal, and ore.
Carried in large, specialized vessels.
Break Bulk Shipping:
Cargo is transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums, or barrels.
Used for items that do not fit into standard containers or require special handling.
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping
Cost-Effectiveness:
Lower cost than air-freight, specifically for large volume shipments.
Economies of scale due to the large capacity of cargo ships.
Capacity:
Able to carry large and heavy items, including machinery and vehicles.
Containers of various sizes (20ft, 40ft, etc.) to accommodate different cargo needs.
Versatility:
Different types of vessels and containers for specific cargo requirements.
Process of Sea Freight Shipping
- Booking and Documentation:
- Arrange shipment with a carrier or freight forwarder.
- Prepare necessary documentation, including the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list.
- Packaging and Labeling:
- Proper packaging to protect goods during transit.
- Accurate labeling for identification and handling instructions.
- Transportation to Port:
- Trucking or rail to move goods to the departure port.
- Pre-carriage and terminal handling.
- Customs Clearance:
- Compliance with export regulations.
- Inspection and approval by customs authorities.
- Loading and Departure:
- Loading goods onto the vessel.
- Monitoring departure and transit.
- Arrival and Unloading:
- Unloading at the destination port.
- Inspection and customs clearance.
- Delivery to Final Destination:
- Transport from the port to the final recipient.
- Often involves local trucking or rail services.
Sea freight continues to be a cornerstone of global trade, balancing cost and capacity with speed and complexity. Its ongoing evolution through technology and sustainability initiatives ensures its relevance in the modern supply chain.