Unlock global trade with sea freight services

Sea freight is an integral part of the international logistics service we proudly offer. This option provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to ship full or part load containers on a longer planned timescale, perfectly aligning with your specific project and budgetary needs. 

If time isn’t the primary driver for your consignment, but you demand a cost-effective and secure solution for your international shipment, then sea freight is undoubtedly your ideal choice. 

Our commitment to excellence extends to every facet of our sea freight service. We offer complete door-to-door and door-to-port deliveries, encompassing a full spectrum of logistics services designed for long-haul transport movements. 

Why choose sea freight for your next consignment?

When planning your international shipments, selecting the right mode of transport is a critical decision that balances speed, cost and capacity. While options like air freight offer unbeatable swiftness for urgent consignments, our sea freight services present a compelling alternative for businesses looking for the ability to move substantial volumes at lower costs.

Unlike air cargo, which is constrained by aircraft size and weight restrictions, ocean vessels are engineered to carry an immense amount of freight, including exceptionally heavy and oversized items.

From industrial machinery and construction materials to vast quantities of consumer goods, sea freight provides the robust solution needed for significant global movements.

While it’s true that sea freight services involve longer transit times, this characteristic becomes an asset when you have a well-planned supply chain and sufficient lead time. The trade-off for speed is substantial savings and unparalleled capacity, making sea freight the strategic choice for non-urgent, high-volume, or heavy international shipments.

This is precisely why sea freight should be a top consideration for your next logistical challenge, particularly when time isn’t the absolute most pressing factor.

Different types of sea freight services

Understanding that every shipment is unique, we offer two primary sea freight services to cater to diverse cargo sizes and business needs: Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).

Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Load (FCL) is the go-to solution for larger shipments that require the exclusive use of an entire shipping container. When you opt for FCL, your goods are the sole occupants of the container, offering a range of distinct advantages.

This service is ideal for businesses with substantial volumes of cargo, where the quantity is significant enough to fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container. Here’s a quick rundown of the attractive benefits offered by FCL:

• Watertight security

With FCL, your goods are sealed within their own container at the point of origin and remain untouched until they reach their final destination. This significantly reduces the risk of damage or loss due to handling during transit, as there is no co-mingling with other shipments.

• Efficiency for substantial volumes 

For businesses moving large quantities of products, FCL offers excellent efficiency. It simplifies inventory management, reduces the complexity of multiple smaller shipments, and can often be more cost-effective per unit when dealing with high volumes.

• Reduced risk of contamination 

If your goods are sensitive or require a controlled environment, FCL ensures they are not exposed to other materials that might pose a risk of contamination.

Less than Container Load (LCL)

Less than Container Load (LCL) provides a flexible and cost-effective alternative for smaller shipments that do not require the capacity of an entire container. In an LCL arrangement, your goods are consolidated with other shipments from various senders into a single container.

This collaborative approach allows multiple businesses to share the cost of a full container, making international shipping accessible for smaller volumes. Let’s dive into what makes LCL an appealing option for some deliveries:

• Highly cost-effective for smaller shipments 

LCL is an excellent option for businesses with lower volume freight, enabling them to pay only for the space their cargo occupies within the container. This makes it a highly economical choice, preventing the need to pay for unused container space.

• Flexibility for varied cargo sizes 

Whether you’re sending a few pallets or several cartons, LCL accommodates a wide range of shipment sizes, offering scalability without the commitment of a full container.

• Access to international markets

LCL democratises international shipping, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access global markets without the high overheads associated with full container shipments.

Seamless navigation with customs clearance support

International customs regulations can be a complex and time-consuming puzzle to solve, often threatening your shipment with potential delays and unexpected costs if not handled with precision.

We alleviate this burden by providing professional customs clearance support as an integral part of our sea freight services. With a wealth of experience in moving goods internationally, including all associated customs requirements, we ensure your shipments comply with all necessary regulations, facilitating a smooth and efficient transit.

Our commitment to keeping freight moving, particularly in the ever-evolving landscape of global trade, led us to invest significant time and resources in preparation for Brexit. This foresight ensured that whatever the outcome of negotiations, our team was ready to deliver seamless support to our customers.

Our highly experienced customs team delivers expert advice on all aspects of import and export, clear explanations of terminology and Incoterms, and efficient management of both export and import declarations.

We can also liaise with customs clearing agents from our extensive European network or your own appointed agents, arrange crucial T1 transit documents and utilise our advanced systems to ensure adherence to customs clearance procedures throughout transit, meticulously finalising all formalities at the shipment’s conclusion.

Why choose OSE European for sea freight services?

When entrusting your valuable cargo to an international logistics partner, expertise, reliability, and a customer-centric approach are paramount. We embody these qualities, making us the preferred choice for businesses seeking exceptional sea freight services.

• Extensive global network

Our vast network of trusted partners and agents spans across key ports and trade routes worldwide. This reach ensures that we can provide seamless sea freight services to virtually any destination, offering unmatched connectivity and reliability throughout.

• Competitive rates 

We appreciate the importance of cost efficiency in such a challenging global market. That’s why we’re committed to offering highly competitive rates for our sea freight services without compromising on the quality of your shipment.

• Cutting-edge tracking 

Transparency and real-time visibility are absolutely essential for effective supply chain management. With our sea freight services, you benefit from advanced tracking that allows you to monitor the status of and location of your consignment at every stage in its journey.

• Dedicated security and expert handling 

The safety of your cargo is of the utmost importance. That’s why our team is made up of highly experienced professionals who adhere to strict security protocols and best practices in cargo handling. From careful loading and lashing to secure transit and precise unloading, we make sure that your goods are treated with exceptional care.

• Tailored solutions for your business 

We pride ourselves on offering bespoke logistics solutions. Our team works closely with you to understand your specific challenges and objectives, designing sea freight strategies that are perfectly aligned with your business model and needs.

Cross oceans with OSE European on your side

Whether you’re looking to transport heavy machinery, bulk commodities or a consolidated shipment of smaller goods, our sea freight service offers the perfect blend of reliability, cost-effectiveness and global reach.

Let us be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of international ocean shipping, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination efficiently and securely. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and receive a personalised quote.