Space booking
Confirmed bookings with the carriers running the UAE–UK trade, including seasonal peak coverage.
Ocean freight
Sea freight from Dubai to the UK
Weekly ocean services from Jebel Ali to the UK's main container ports, for part-loads and full containers alike.
Dubai → UK corridor specialistsSea, air, LCL & FCLCustoms documentation handledNamed coordinator per shipment
Sea freight from Dubai to the UK is the standard way to move volume cargo. Consignments sail from Jebel Ali to UK ports such as Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway, either as LCL (shared container) or FCL (your own container), with inland delivery arranged on arrival.
What our sea freight service covers
Export packing
Pallets, ISPM-15 crates and moisture protection sized for a multi-week sea journey.
Origin handling
Collection anywhere in the UAE, terminal handling, and export customs filing at Jebel Ali.
Documentation
Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin and any inspection paperwork.
UK clearance
Import entry to HMRC, duty and import VAT handling, port release and demurrage monitoring.
Inland delivery
Container haulage or palletised delivery to any UK postcode, with tail-lift where needed.
How your sea shipment runs
- Quote and bookingWe price LCL and FCL against your packing list and book the sailing you approve.
- Collection and packingCargo is collected, packed or crated, weighed and measured for the bill of lading.
- Export clearanceExport declaration filed and cargo delivered into the terminal ahead of cut-off.
- Ocean legVessel sails from Jebel Ali; you get the booking reference and an ETA.
- UK arrivalEntry filed, duty and VAT settled, container or LCL consignment released.
- DeliveryFinal-mile delivery and proof of delivery back to you.
Ports, sailings and transit time
Departure is normally from Jebel Ali (JEA). Common UK arrival ports are Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway, with Liverpool and Grangemouth used for northern and Scottish deliveries.
Indicative port-to-port transit is TO CONFIRM: sea transit days, with sailings TO CONFIRM: sailing frequency. LCL consignments add consolidation time before departure and deconsolidation at the UK depot, usually a few extra working days at each end.
We confirm the actual vessel, cut-off and ETA in writing at booking, and tell you promptly if a schedule slips.
What sets your sea freight rate
- Volume in cubic metres for LCL, or container size and type for FCL
- Weight, especially dense cargo that hits weight limits before volume
- Origin charges: collection distance, packing, terminal handling
- Destination charges: port handling, customs entry, haulage to postcode
- Duty and import VAT, which depend on HS classification and value
- Seasonal rate movement on the UAE–UK trade and any peak surcharges
LCL or FCL for your sea shipment?
| LCL | FCL | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical volume | 1–14 CBM | 14 CBM and above |
| You pay for | The space you use | The whole container |
| Handling | Consolidated with other cargo | Sealed at origin, opened at destination |
| Transit | Slightly longer (consolidation) | Fastest sea option |
| Best for | Part-loads, first shipments, trials | Full loads, fragile or high-value cargo |
Sea freight suits you if
- You are moving volume rather than urgent goods
- Your cargo is heavy, bulky or oversized for air
- You want the lowest cost per cubic metre
- You are shipping furniture, machinery, building materials or stock
Frequently asked questions
How long is sea freight from Dubai to the UK?
Roughly TO CONFIRM: sea transit days port to port, plus collection, clearance and delivery at each end.
Which UK port will my cargo arrive at?
Usually Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway. We choose based on your final delivery postcode and the best sailing available.
Can you ship less than a container?
Yes — that is LCL. See our LCL shipping page.
Is my cargo insured?
Marine cargo insurance is offered as an option on every sea shipment TO CONFIRM: cover levels and premium basis.
Ready to move cargo from Dubai to the UK?
Send us your cargo details and we will come back with a clear, itemised Dubai to UK quote.
Request a free quote