Sea Freight & Container Shipping
Comprehensive Ocean Freight Solutions
Viking Cargo offers reliable and cost-effective sea freight services for businesses importing and exporting goods to and from Australia. With over 50 years of experience in international shipping, we provide tailored ocean freight solutions that optimise your supply chain and reduce transportation costs.
Our extensive network of shipping lines and global partners ensures competitive rates, reliable schedules, and comprehensive coverage of major ports worldwide.
Global Port Coverage
Connections to all major ports worldwide
FCL & LCL Options
Flexible solutions for shipments of all sizes
Cost-Effective
Competitive rates and optimised routing
Our Sea Freight Services
Comprehensive solutions for all your ocean shipping needs
Full Container Load (FCL)
Our FCL services provide dedicated container shipping for larger consignments:
- 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft high-cube containers
- Refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive cargo
- Open-top and flat-rack containers for oversized items
- Door-to-door delivery coordination
- Competitive rates with major shipping lines
FCL shipping offers greater security and faster transit times as your goods remain in the same container from origin to destination.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Our LCL services are ideal for smaller shipments that don't require a full container:
- Cost-effective solution for smaller volumes
- Consolidated shipments with other compatible cargo
- Regular departures to major destinations
- Careful cargo handling and consolidation
- Flexible minimum shipment sizes
LCL shipping allows you to pay only for the space you need, making it economical for smaller businesses or occasional shipments.
Import Sea Freight
Viking Cargo handles all aspects of importing goods via sea freight into Australia:
- Coordination with overseas suppliers and agents
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Quarantine and biosecurity compliance
- Container unpacking and deconsolidation
- Last-mile delivery to your warehouse
Our import services ensure smooth handling of your shipments from origin to final destination, with full visibility throughout the process.
Export Sea Freight
Our export sea freight services help Australian businesses reach global markets:
- Strategic carrier selection for optimal routing
- Export documentation preparation
- Container loading and packing
- Customs compliance and clearance
- Coordination with overseas receivers
We handle all aspects of your export shipments, ensuring they reach international destinations efficiently and in compliance with all regulations.
Project Cargo & Break Bulk
For oversized or specialised shipments that don't fit standard containers:
- Heavy machinery and equipment transport
- Out-of-gauge cargo handling
- Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping
- Special equipment and handling
- Project management for complex shipments
Our project cargo specialists have the expertise to handle challenging shipments that require customised solutions and careful planning.
Specialised Container Solutions
We offer specialised container options for unique cargo requirements:
- Refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive goods
- Ventilated containers for agricultural products
- Tank containers for liquid cargo
- Open-top containers for tall items
- Flat-rack containers for oversized cargo
Whatever your shipping needs, we have the right container solution to ensure your cargo arrives safely and in optimal condition.
Our Sea Freight Process
A streamlined approach to ensure efficient ocean transportation
Consultation & Planning
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your specific requirements, timeline, and budget. Our logistics experts then develop a customised sea freight plan that optimises routing, carrier selection, and container options.
Documentation & Compliance
Our team prepares and reviews all necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with international regulations, customs requirements, and shipping protocols. We handle bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and any specialised documentation required for your cargo.
Cargo Preparation
We coordinate the proper packaging, labeling, and container loading of your shipment to ensure it meets international shipping standards. For LCL shipments, we carefully consolidate your cargo with other compatible goods to maximise efficiency.
Ocean Transportation
Your cargo is transported via our network of trusted shipping lines, with strategic routing to optimise transit times and costs. Throughout this process, our tracking systems provide visibility of your shipment's progress and location.
Customs Clearance
Upon arrival at the destination port, our customs experts handle all clearance procedures efficiently to minimise delays. We manage inspections, duty payments, and compliance with local regulations to ensure smooth entry of your goods.
Final Delivery
Once cleared, we coordinate the final delivery of your cargo to its destination. For FCL shipments, we arrange container transportation; for LCL shipments, we handle deconsolidation and delivery of your specific goods. We provide delivery confirmation and complete the documentation process.
Benefits of Sea Freight
Why businesses choose ocean transportation for their cargo
Cost-Effectiveness
Sea freight offers significantly lower costs per unit compared to air freight, especially for heavy or bulky shipments. This cost advantage makes ocean shipping the preferred option for businesses looking to optimise their transportation budget while maintaining reliable service.
Capacity for Heavy Cargo
Ocean vessels can accommodate much heavier and larger shipments than other transportation modes. There are virtually no weight or size limitations for sea freight, making it ideal for industrial equipment, raw materials, and bulk commodities.
Environmental Sustainability
Sea freight has a lower carbon footprint per ton-mile compared to air or road transportation. For environmentally conscious businesses, ocean shipping represents a more sustainable option for moving goods internationally while reducing overall emissions.
Versatile Cargo Options
The variety of container types available for sea freight allows for transportation of virtually any type of cargo, from standard dry goods to refrigerated perishables, hazardous materials, and oversized equipment. This versatility makes ocean shipping suitable for diverse business needs.
Secure Transportation
Modern containers provide a secure environment for your goods throughout transit. Sealed containers reduce the risk of theft, damage, and tampering, while advanced tracking systems allow for continuous monitoring of your shipment's location and condition.
Established Global Routes
The international shipping industry operates on well-established routes with regular schedules, providing businesses with reliable transportation options to virtually any market worldwide. This extensive network facilitates global trade and supply chain planning.
Our Key Trade Lanes
Major shipping routes serviced by Viking Cargo
Asia-Australia
Regular services connecting Australian ports with major Asian hubs including Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Transit times typically range from 12-25 days depending on the specific origin and destination ports.
Europe-Australia
Established routes linking Australian ports with European destinations including Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Southampton. Transit times generally range from 38-45 days with various service options available.
North America-Australia
Reliable connections between Australian ports and major North American gateways including Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, and Vancouver. Transit times typically range from 36-52 days depending on routing.
Middle East-Australia
Regular services connecting Australia with Middle Eastern ports including Dubai, Jebel Ali, and Dammam. Transit times generally range from 25-35 days with multiple carrier options.
Intra-Oceania
Frequent services connecting Australian ports with New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Island nations. These shorter routes typically have transit times of 5-15 days depending on the specific destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about our sea freight services
What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you're shipping enough goods to fill an entire container, which remains sealed from origin to destination. This option provides greater security, faster transit times, and often more predictable costs. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods are consolidated with other shipments in a shared container. LCL is more economical for smaller shipments but may have slightly longer transit times due to the consolidation and deconsolidation process.
How long does sea freight take from Asia to Australia?
Transit times from Asia to Australia typically range from 12-25 days depending on the specific origin and destination ports. For example, shipments from Singapore to Sydney may take approximately 12-15 days, while shipments from Shanghai to Melbourne might take 18-22 days. These times represent port-to-port transit and do not include customs clearance or inland transportation, which can add additional days to the total delivery time.
What documentation is required for sea freight imports to Australia?
Standard documentation for sea freight imports to Australia includes: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Import Declaration, and Customs Entry. Depending on the type of goods, additional documents may be required such as Quarantine/Biosecurity permits, Import permits for restricted goods, Safety Data Sheets for chemicals, or Certificates of Analysis for certain products. Our customs team ensures all documentation is properly prepared to prevent clearance delays.
How are sea freight charges calculated?
Sea freight charges typically include several components: Ocean freight (the base shipping cost), Terminal handling charges (THC) at origin and destination, Documentation fees, Customs clearance fees, and Inland transportation costs. For FCL shipments, rates are typically quoted per container. For LCL shipments, charges are usually based on volume (cubic meters) or weight (tons), whichever yields the higher charge. Additional factors affecting cost include fuel surcharges, peak season surcharges, and any special handling requirements.
Can you ship dangerous goods via sea freight?
Yes, dangerous goods can be shipped via sea freight, but they must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code regulations. This requires proper classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation. Not all shipping lines accept all classes of dangerous goods, and some ports have restrictions on certain hazardous materials. Our team has expertise in dangerous goods shipping and can advise on the specific requirements for your hazardous cargo to ensure compliance and safe transportation.
Ready to Ship Your Cargo by Sea?
Contact our sea freight specialists today for a customised solution and competitive quote.