Ocean Freight, Planned Around Your Cargo
FCL, LCL, refrigerated and project cargo from Jebel Ali and other UAE ports to destinations worldwide. Desert Horizon coordinates booking, documents, packing and delivery through trusted carriers and partners — with one point of contact.
The Economical Route for Heavier, Larger or Less Urgent Cargo
Sea freight is usually the lowest cost per kilogram for large volumes and heavy equipment. We help you decide when ocean is the right mode — and when a faster air or mixed air/sea solution protects your timeline better.
Quick comparison
- Sea: lowest cost per kg, large volumes, longer and less urgent transit.
- Air: fastest, higher cost per kg, urgent or high-value cargo.
- Sea + air: a balance when part of the cargo is needed sooner.
Not sure which mode fits? Send us weight, volume, route and deadline and we will compare the options.
Containerised and Non-Containerised Cargo
Choose the format that fits your shipment size, cargo type and budget.
FCL — Full Container
Dedicated 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high-cube containers. Faster handling, lower risk of damage and a clear transit plan for larger shipments.
LCL — Consolidation
Share container space for smaller volumes. A cost-effective option when your cargo does not fill a full container.
Reefer Containers
Temperature-controlled shipping for perishable and sensitive cargo, planned with the carrier around the required temperature range.
Open Top & Flat Rack
For over-height or over-width cargo that cannot go through a standard container door. Lashing and securing planned in advance.
Breakbulk & RoRo
Heavy machinery, vehicles and project components moved as breakbulk or roll-on/roll-off where the cargo and route allow.
Dangerous Goods
Where carriers accept it, DG cargo can be arranged under IMDG rules with the required declarations, labelling and documents.
Shipping Through the UAE's Main Gateways
Most containerised cargo moves through Jebel Ali, one of the region's busiest ports. Depending on cargo, carrier service and inland location, we also plan shipments through other UAE ports.
Jebel Ali (Dubai)
The main hub for container services, linked to Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai's inland logistics network.
Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi)
An alternative for cargo originating in or near Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah Ports
Options for cargo in the northern emirates and for selected services.
Fujairah
East-coast port used for selected cargo and routings.
From Enquiry to Delivery
Share the details
Cargo type, weight, volume, origin, destination, Incoterms and deadline.
Receive options
FCL/LCL, routing, indicative transit time and a clear quotation with what is and is not included.
Book & document
Booking, cargo pick-up, packing if needed, customs and shipping documents.
Track & deliver
Status updates through the journey and delivery to port or to the consignee's door.
Paperwork Done Right the First Time
Most delays at port come from incomplete or inconsistent documents. We check the set before the cargo moves.
Core documents
Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. Details must match between all three.
Customs
Customs declaration through the UAE customs system, using the exporter or importer's customs code. We coordinate with your broker or arrange one.
As required
Certificate of origin, dangerous goods documents, health or technical certificates and permits for restricted cargo.
Requirements depend on the cargo, destination country and carrier. We confirm the exact list before booking.
A Clear Quotation, Without Surprises
Route & carrier
Origin and destination ports, transshipment and carrier service.
Cargo & container
Weight, volume, container type and special handling.
Incoterms
Defines who pays and arranges each stage — EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP and others.
Local & destination charges
Terminal handling, documentation, customs, inland transport and storage.
Loaded and Secured the Right Way
Protective wrapping, blocking and lashing inside the container — planned before the cargo is loaded, so it arrives in the condition it left.
Sea Freight Dubai FAQ
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL means a whole container is used for your cargo alone. LCL means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and is consolidated and deconsolidated at warehouses. FCL is usually faster and safer for larger volumes; LCL is more economical for smaller shipments.
Which UAE ports do you ship from?
Most cargo moves through Jebel Ali in Dubai. Depending on the cargo and routing, shipments can also be arranged through Khalifa Port, Sharjah or Fujairah.
What documents are needed for sea freight from the UAE?
Typically a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus a customs declaration. Depending on the cargo and destination you may also need a certificate of origin, dangerous goods documents or other permits. We confirm the exact list before booking.
How long does sea freight take?
It depends on the destination, carrier service and transshipment. As a guide: GCC and Indian subcontinent from several days to about two weeks; East Africa and the Far East around two to five weeks; Europe and North America often three to six weeks. We confirm the schedule with each quotation.
Can you arrange packing, pick-up and delivery?
Yes. Through specialist partners we can coordinate export packing and crating, truck pick-up in the UAE and delivery at destination, so the whole move is managed through one point of contact.
Do you own ships or containers?
No. Desert Horizon is a freight broker. We book space with shipping lines and work with trusted partners, choosing the service that best fits your cargo, schedule and budget.
Is sea freight right for urgent cargo?
Usually not. If your cargo is time-critical, air freight or aircraft charter is a better fit. We can also split a shipment: urgent items by air, the rest by sea.
Need a Sea Freight Quotation?
Send us the details and we will come back with routing, transit time and pricing.
Desert Horizon coordinates sea freight through shipping lines and trusted partners. Transit times and availability are indicative and confirmed in each quotation.