Port of Hamburg & Bremerhaven

Sea Freight Hamburg:
FCL & LCL Container Shipping Worldwide

HIS Hamburg Intermodal Service GmbH arranges your ocean freight from the Port of Hamburg and Bremerhaven – reliably, competitively priced, and with personal service. Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) to all world regions.

500+
Ports worldwide
FCL/LCL
Both modes
24/7
Tracking & Support
Direct access to HHLA & Eurogate terminals
All major carriers (MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd)
Door-to-door sea freight available
In-house customs specialists
Shipping Options

FCL or LCL – Which Ocean Freight Option Suits Your Cargo?

Depending on volume, weight, and transit requirements, we provide the optimal sea freight solution from Hamburg.

LCL
Less than Container Load / Groupage

LCL (also called groupage) is the cost-effective solution for smaller shipments. Your goods are consolidated with cargo from other shippers – you only pay for the space you actually use, with no minimum quantity.

  • Cost-effective for small volumes (from 1 CBM)
  • No minimum quantity – flexible entry
  • Regular departures worldwide
  • Ideal for SMEs and market entrants
  • Suitable for: spare parts, samples, garments, electronics
Best for:Shipments under 10 CBM or when full container utilisation cannot be guaranteed.
How It Works

Sea Freight with HIS Hamburg – Step by Step

From your first enquiry to final delivery – we manage your ocean freight shipment end to end.

1

Enquiry & Quote

Tell us about your shipment. We assess FCL vs. LCL, container type, routing and Incoterms – and deliver a binding quote within 24 hours.

2

Booking & Documentation

After confirmation, we handle carrier booking, prepare all shipping documents and coordinate container pickup.

3

Loading & Departure

Your cargo is loaded at the Port of Hamburg or Bremerhaven. We coordinate terminal delivery, CY-CUT and vessel boarding.

4

Tracking & Delivery

Real-time tracking gives you full visibility at all times. On arrival, we handle customs clearance, discharge and final delivery to the consignee.

Sea Freight Routes from Hamburg

Key Ocean Freight Routes from Port of Hamburg & Bremerhaven

We cover all major trade lanes – with weekly departures and strong carrier partnerships.

Hamburg → China
25–35 days
Via Suez Canal
Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin – weekly departures
Hamburg → East Asia
28–38 days
Via Suez Canal
Tokyo, Osaka, Busan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok
Hamburg → USA / Canada
12–18 days
Transatlantic
New York, Baltimore, Houston, Los Angeles, Montreal, Vancouver
Hamburg → India / Pakistan
20–28 days
Via Suez Canal
Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Karachi, Colombo
Hamburg → Middle East
15–22 days
Via Suez / Gulf
Dubai (Jebel Ali), Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, Kuwait
Hamburg → Africa
20–35 days
West & East Africa
Lagos, Accra, Mombasa, Durban, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam
Why HIS Hamburg

Your Advantages with HIS Hamburg as Ocean Freight Forwarder

Personal service combined with strong networks and technology – our promise on every sea freight assignment.

Dedicated Account Manager

No call centres or anonymous processes. You have a fixed point of contact who knows your shipment from A to Z and is always reachable.

Trusted Carrier Partnerships

As an established freight forwarder, we work with the world's leading carriers: MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, COSCO.

Fast Quote Turnaround

Receive a binding sea freight quote within 24 hours – including port charges, documentation and optional cargo insurance.

Real-Time Tracking

Transparent shipment tracking in real time: container position, ETA, terminal status – everything at a glance, no chasing required.

Complete Documentation

Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, packing list, freight invoice, bill of exchange – we prepare and verify all shipping documents on your behalf.

In-House Customs Experts

Our customs specialists handle all import and export clearance – including EORI registration, preference determination and dangerous goods declarations.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ – Sea Freight from Hamburg

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire container exclusively for your cargo – ideal for shipments from approximately 10–15 CBM. LCL (Less than Container Load) is the groupage option: your goods are consolidated with other shippers' cargo and you pay only for the space you use, from 1 CBM. LCL is ideal for smaller shipments and market entrants.
What container sizes does HIS Hamburg offer?
We work with 20' standard containers (TEU), 40' standard containers (FEU), 40' High-Cube containers, 45' Pallet-Wide containers, Reefer containers for temperature-sensitive cargo, and Open-Top containers for heavy-lift and oversized cargo.
How long does sea freight from Hamburg to China take?
Sea freight from Hamburg to Shanghai or Shenzhen typically takes 25–35 days depending on the carrier and route. Via the Suez Canal, transit time is approximately 28–32 days. For LCL, add up to 7 days for consolidation.
Does HIS Hamburg offer door-to-door sea freight?
Yes. We organise complete door-to-door sea freight: pickup at the shipper, pre-carriage to Hamburg port, export customs, ocean freight, import customs at the destination port, and final delivery to the consignee. Warehousing at the destination is available on request.
How do I request a sea freight quote?
Simply use our contact form or send an email to info@intermodalservice.eu. Please include: origin and destination port/location, dimensions and weight, commodity description (HS code if available), desired shipping month, and whether FCL or LCL is required. We respond within 24 hours.
Sea Freight Quote

Request Your Ocean Freight Quote – Free & Non-Binding

Tell us your route, volume and shipping month – we will provide a binding FCL or LCL quote from Port of Hamburg within 24 hours.