Introduction
Sea freight is the backbone of global trade for UK businesses, offering a cost-effective way to ship goods like machinery, electronics, or clothing to markets worldwide. Handling over 90% of global trade, UK ports like Felixstowe and Southampton move millions of tonnes of cargo each year. Whether you’re exporting to Singapore or importing from China, sea freight is ideal for large or non-urgent shipments, saving up to 50% compared to air freight. This guide breaks down everything UK businesses need to know about sea freight in 2025, from costs and routes to regulations and green practices. Let’s dive in and explore how SLG Logistics can help you ship smarter.
What Is Sea Freight?
Sea freight, also called ocean freight, is the transport of goods by cargo ships across oceans. It’s the go-to choice for UK businesses shipping heavy or bulky items, like cars, furniture, or raw materials. Unlike air freight, which is fast but expensive, sea freight takes longer (weeks instead of days) but costs much less—typically £0.50-£2 per kg compared to £2-£6 for air freight.
Why Choose Sea Freight?
- Affordable: Perfect for large shipments where cost matters more than speed.
- Reliable: Fixed schedules ensure predictable delivery.
- Eco-Friendly: Lower carbon emissions per ton than air freight (10-40 grams CO2 per ton-km vs. 500 grams).
Learn more about the basics in our What Is Sea Freight Shipping post.
How Sea Freight Works
Sea freight follows a straightforward process to get your goods from the UK to their destination:
- Book Your Shipment: Work with a freight forwarder like SLG Logistics or a shipping line to reserve space.
- Prepare Documents: Gather papers like the Bill of Lading (a contract for transport) and commercial invoice (details of goods).
- Pack and Load: Load goods into containers—either a Full Container Load (FCL) for exclusive use or Less than Container Load (LCL) for shared space—at a port like Felixstowe.
- Ship Across the Ocean: The ship sails to the destination port, like Shanghai or New York.
- Clear Customs: Follow UK and destination country rules to avoid delays.
- Deliver to Destination: Goods are unloaded and delivered to the final location.
Freight forwarders handle paperwork, tracking, and customs, making the process smooth.
Costs of Sea Freight
Sea freight costs depend on a few key factors:
- Container Type: FCL (20ft or 40ft containers) is best for large shipments; LCL is cheaper for smaller loads. Read our FCL vs. LCL Guide for details.
- Distance: Shipping to Asia (e.g., China, 5-7 weeks) costs more than Europe (1-2 weeks).
- Fuel Surcharges: Rising fuel prices add extra fees, called bunker adjustment factor (BAF).
- Other Fees: Customs clearance (£50-£200), port handling (£100-£500), or insurance (1-2% of cargo value).
Example Costs:
| Route | Container Type | Cost Estimate | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK to Singapore | 20ft FCL | £1,000-£2,000 | 4-6 weeks |
| UK to New York | LCL (1 cubic meter) | £150-£300 | 2-3 weeks |
| UK to Rotterdam | 40ft FCL | £500-£1,000 | 1-2 weeks |
To save money, combine shipments or use LCL for small loads.
Major UK Ports and Routes
The UK’s ports are global leaders, handling millions of containers yearly:
- Felixstowe: The UK’s busiest port, processing 4 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually, ideal for Asia and Europe.
- Southampton: A hub for North America and Europe, with advanced facilities.
- Liverpool: Growing for transatlantic routes and Asian markets.
- London Gateway: Modern port for efficient container handling.
Popular Routes:
- UK to Asia: Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong (4-7 weeks).
- UK to North America: New York, Los Angeles (2-3 weeks).
- UK to Europe: Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp (1-2 weeks).
- UK to Middle East: Dubai, Jeddah (3-4 weeks).
- UK to Australia: Sydney, Melbourne (5-7 weeks).
Holiday seasons, like Lunar New Year, can delay shipments.
UK Sea Freight Regulations
Shipping by sea requires compliance with UK and international rules to avoid fines or delays:
- HMRC Requirements: Declare goods accurately for taxes and duties.
- Post-Brexit Rules: Extra paperwork for EU shipments, like customs declarations.
- Key Documents:
- Bill of Lading: Proof of contract between shipper and carrier.
- Commercial Invoice: Details of goods, value, and origin.
- Packing List: Itemizes cargo for customs.
- Restricted Goods: Dangerous items (e.g., chemicals) need special permits.
Our Sea Freight Regulations Guide and Guide to UK Customs Clearance provide checklists to stay compliant.
Sustainability in Sea Freight
Sea freight is greener than air freight, but it still produces emissions. UK businesses can adopt eco-friendly practices:
- Low-Sulphur Fuels: Mandated by IMO 2020, these cut emissions by 70%.
- AI-Optimized Routes: Plan shorter paths to save fuel.
- Eco-Friendly Ships: New vessels use wind-assisted propulsion or LNG (liquefied natural gas).
- Carbon Offsetting: Fund projects like reforestation to balance emissions.
For example, Felixstowe’s sustainability program aims to reduce port emissions by 50% by 2030.
Choosing a Sea Freight Forwarder
A good freight forwarder makes sea freight easy. Look for:
- Experience: Years handling UK and global shipments.
- Network: Connections in key markets like ASEAN or the US.
- Certifications: IATA or UKWA membership shows reliability.
SLG Logistics offers tailored solutions, from booking to customs. Our Choosing a Freight Forwarder Guide has a checklist to pick the best partner.
FAQs
How much does sea freight cost from the UK?
Costs range from £0.50-£2 per kg, depending on container type and distance.
How long does sea freight take from the UK?
It takes 1-2 weeks to Europe, 2-3 weeks to the US, and 4-7 weeks to Asia.
What documents do I need for sea freight?
You need a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and packing list.
Is sea freight eco-friendly?
It’s greener than air freight, emitting less CO2 per ton.
Wrap-Up
Sea freight is a smart choice for UK businesses looking to ship goods affordably and reliably. By understanding costs, routes, regulations, and green practices, you can optimize your logistics and save money. SLG Logistics is here to guide you with expert sea freight solutions, whether you’re shipping to Singapore or New York. Contact us today.