Sea freight in Dubai, UAE: FCL and LCL shippingBig volumes, moved by sea.

A 20ft container holds about 33 CBM, and a 40ft about 67 CBM. A 40ft high cube holds about 76 CBM. These are internal volumes, so usable space is lower once cargo is packed and secured. Weight limits, carton shape and how the goods stack also affect how much you can load.

• Palletised cargo usually fits less volume than loose cartons.
• Heavy cargo may reach the weight limit before the space limit.
• Ask us to check your packing list.

Demurrage applies inside the port, and detention applies outside it. Demurrage is a daily fee for leaving a loaded container at the terminal beyond your free time. Detention is a daily fee for keeping the carrier's container outside the terminal too long. Delayed clearance or documents are common causes, so plan ahead for both fees.

• Free time varies by shipping line and contract.
• Check your free days before the ship arrives.
• Complete documents help avoid delays at Jebel Ali Port.

A bill of lading is the main sea freight transport document. It acts as a receipt for the cargo, evidence of the contract of carriage, and often a document of title. It names the shipper, consignee, vessel, ports and goods. Check every detail carefully, because errors can delay customs clearance and release of your cargo.

• Short forms are B/L and BL.
• A master B/L comes from the carrier, and a house B/L from the forwarder.
• A telex release lets cargo be released without original paper bills.

RO-RO ships carry wheeled cargo that can be driven on and off. This commonly includes cars, trucks, buses and wheeled machinery. RO-RO avoids the need to lift the cargo with cranes, which can suit large vehicles. Availability depends on the route, so send the vehicle details and destination to check the options for your shipment.

• RO-RO means roll-on, roll-off.
• Non-running vehicles may need different handling.
• Oversized machinery may need flat rack or project cargo options instead.

Project cargo means oversized, heavy or complex shipments that need special planning. Examples include industrial machinery and large equipment that cannot fit standard containers. These moves often use flat racks, open-top containers or breakbulk shipping, along with route planning and special lifting equipment. Send dimensions and weights as early as possible, so options can be properly checked.

• Oversized cargo is also called out-of-gauge (OOG).
• Road transport may need special vehicles at each end.
• See our land transport service.

Yes, Airlift Logistics handles customs clearance alongside sea freight. The team can manage declarations, duty assessment and documents, including free zone and re-export cargo. Keeping freight and clearance together means fewer handovers, and one place to ask when something changes. Send your commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading to begin the clearance process.

• Dubai Customs declarations go through Mirsal 2.
• Duty is generally 5% of the CIF value.
• See our customs clearance service.

Sea freight from Dubai has no fixed price. FCL is priced per container, and LCL per CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is higher. The total also includes bunker surcharges, terminal handling, documentation and delivery order fees. Rates change with route, season and carrier, so ask for a current written quote.

• Send your volume in CBM and your destination port.
• Ask whether local charges at both ends are included.
• Use the container calculator on this page.

Most sea freight from Dubai moves through Jebel Ali Port. It is the main UAE container port, next to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). Cargo can also use Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, or Khor Fakkan and Fujairah on the east coast. Your forwarder chooses the port based on carrier, route and delivery point.

• Jebel Ali has the port code AEJEA.
• Khor Fakkan and Fujairah sit outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Sea freight from Dubai usually takes from days to weeks. Published port-to-port ranges run about 2-4 days within the GCC, 10-25 days to Asia and 18-30 days to Europe. Carrier schedules, transhipment and current routing all change these figures. Allow extra time for booking, customs clearance and delivery at each end.

• Direct sailings are usually faster than transhipment.
• LCL can take longer, because cargo is consolidated first.