Sea Freight Services in Nigeria

Cost-Effective Ocean Freight from Any Port in the World to Nigeria.

Sea freight is the engine of global trade — and for Nigerian importers and exporters dealing in large volumes, heavy goods, or bulk commodities, it remains the most cost-effective and practical mode of international shipping. While air freight offers speed, sea freight offers capacity, flexibility, and economics that no other transport mode can match at scale.

At ISOX Shipping, sea freight is central to our logistics offering. We provide comprehensive ocean freight services covering Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), break-bulk, dry and liquid bulk, and vessel charter — connecting Nigerian businesses to international suppliers and customers across every major global trade lane.

With operations at international seaports worldwide, deep relationships with leading global shipping lines, and in-house customs brokerage capability at Nigeria’s major ports, ISOX Shipping delivers a complete, end-to-end sea freight experience — from booking and documentation at origin to port operations, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery in Nigeria.

Why Sea Freight Is the Right Choice for Large-Volume Cargo

For the vast majority of large-volume, non-urgent international shipments, sea freight is the dominant and most practical choice. Understanding when sea freight is the optimal solution helps you make smarter logistics decisions for your business.

Cost Efficiency

Sea freight costs a fraction of air freight per kilogram or cubic metre — making it the clear choice for high-volume, heavy, or bulky cargo where cost control matters.

Versatility

Sea freight accommodates almost every type of cargo — from containerised goods and vehicles to bulk commodities, project cargo, and liquid tanker shipments.

Predictable Scheduling

Container shipping operates on fixed sailing schedules, allowing businesses to plan their inventory and supply chain with greater certainty.

High Capacity

Container vessels can carry tens of thousands of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per sailing — accommodating cargo of virtually any size or volume.

Global Reach

Major shipping lines operate regular scheduled services connecting Nigeria to virtually every major port and trade hub in the world.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Per unit of cargo moved, sea freight has a significantly lower carbon footprint than air freight — supporting businesses with sustainability and ESG commitments.

Our Sea Freight Services

ISOX Shipping offers a full spectrum of sea freight solutions to accommodate the diverse cargo needs of Nigerian importers, exporters, and traders — from individual LCL consignments to full vessel charters for project cargo.

1. Full Container Load (FCL)

Full Container Load shipping is the preferred option when your cargo fills or nearly fills a standard shipping container. With FCL, you have exclusive use of the entire container — meaning your goods travel from origin to destination without sharing space with other shippers’ cargo, reducing handling, minimising damage risk, and providing greater shipment security.

ISOX Shipping manages FCL bookings across the full range of container types to match your specific cargo requirements:

20-foot Dry Container (20DC) — Standard container for general cargo with a payload capacity of approximately 28,000 kg
40-foot Dry Container (40DC) — Double the volume capacity of a 20DC for larger cargo consignments
40-foot High Cube Container (40HC) — An extra 30 cm of height over the standard 40DC, ideal for voluminous but light cargo
20-foot Refrigerated Container (Reefer) — Temperature-controlled container for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive cargo
40-foot Refrigerated Container (Reefer) — Larger temperature-controlled option for high-volume perishable shipments
Flat-Rack Container — For oversized or out-of-gauge cargo that cannot fit inside a standard container
Open-Top Container — For tall cargo or cargo that requires top-loading by crane
Tank Container — For liquid cargo including chemicals, food-grade liquids, and industrial fluids

2. Less than Container Load (LCL)

When your cargo volume is insufficient to justify booking a full container, Less than Container Load (LCL) — also known as groupage — allows you to ship smaller consignments cost-effectively by sharing container space with other compatible shippers. You pay only for the cubic metres or weight your cargo occupies, making LCL an accessible and affordable sea freight option for businesses shipping smaller volumes.
ISOX Shipping manages LCL bookings through our consolidation partnerships with major groupage operators, ensuring your cargo is correctly documented, properly stowed within the container, and promptly deconsolidated on arrival in Nigeria for efficient customs clearance and onward delivery.

3. Break-Bulk Cargo

Break-bulk shipping refers to cargo that is too large, too heavy, or too awkwardly shaped to be carried inside standard containers and must be loaded directly onto the vessel’s deck or hold as individual pieces or units. Common break-bulk cargo includes industrial machinery, steel structures, vehicles, pipes, timber, and bagged commodities.

ISOX Shipping coordinates break-bulk shipments using conventional general cargo vessels, heavy-lift ships, and multipurpose carriers — managing all aspects of cargo lashing, securing, stowage planning, and port handling to ensure your out-of-gauge or non-containerisable cargo is transported safely and arrives in Nigeria in good condition.

4. Conventional Shipments — Dry & Liquid Bulk

For commodity cargo shipped in bulk — such as grains, fertilisers, minerals, aggregates, and agricultural products — dry bulk shipping using bulk carriers provides the most cost-effective and practical transport solution. Similarly, liquid bulk commodities including petroleum products, chemicals, vegetable oils, and liquid food products are transported in tanker vessels.

ISOX Shipping arranges dry and liquid bulk shipments through our network of bulk carrier operators and tanker charter brokers, managing vessel selection, port agency, cargo survey, and documentation for bulk import and export movements to and from Nigeria.

5. Part & Full Vessel Charter

For very large shipments, project cargo movements, or situations where scheduled liner services cannot accommodate your cargo, ISOX Shipping arranges partial and full vessel charters. Whether you need to charter a specific vessel type for a large machinery delivery, a full container ship for a major consignment, or a specialised heavy-lift vessel for offshore or industrial project cargo — our team handles the charter negotiation, contract management, and operational coordination from start to finish.

6. Ro-Ro Shipping (Roll-On / Roll-Off)

For vehicles, heavy equipment, and rolling stock, Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) shipping provides a safe and cost-effective transport solution. Cargo is driven or towed directly onto the vessel using the ship’s internal ramps — eliminating the need for lifting equipment and reducing the risk of damage associated with crane loading. ISOX Shipping manages Ro-Ro bookings for new and used vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other wheeled or tracked cargo bound for or departing Nigerian ports.

7. Sea/Air Multimodal Transportation

For shipments where speed and cost must both be optimised, our sea/air multimodal solution combines ocean freight for the longer leg of the journey with air freight for the final segment — balancing transit time and cost more effectively than either mode alone. This approach is particularly effective for cargo originating from East Asia destined for Nigeria or Europe, where sea freight is used for the transoceanic leg and air freight used for the final connection.

8. Sea/Road and Sea/Rail Intermodal Services

We coordinate integrated intermodal solutions combining sea freight with inland road or rail transport — managing the full door-to-door journey of your cargo from the supplier’s facility at origin, through the ocean voyage, and onward to your warehouse or project site in Nigeria via road haulage from the port. Our intermodal coordination eliminates the costly and risky handover gaps that arise when different providers manage different legs of the same shipment.

9. Letter of Credit Processing

For international trade transactions governed by a Letter of Credit (LC) — a common documentary payment instrument for Nigerian importers — our team provides expert support in managing the documentation requirements associated with LC-governed shipments. We ensure that all shipping documents presented under the LC — including the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any other required documents — are prepared accurately and in compliance with the LC terms, avoiding discrepancies that could delay payment or result in the LC being rejected by the issuing bank.

10. Export & Import Customs Clearance

Our licensed customs brokerage team manages the full customs clearance process for all sea freight shipments — both at the country of export and upon arrival at Nigerian seaports. This includes export declarations at origin, Nigerian Customs Service import declarations, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) processing, duty assessment and payment, destination inspection coordination, and cargo release at Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne Free Zone, and other Nigerian ports of entry.

11. Certified Industrial Packing & Crating

Improper packing is one of the most frequent causes of cargo damage during ocean transit. ISOX Shipping provides certified industrial packing and crating services for goods that require specialist protection — including machinery, fragile industrial components, high-value equipment, and non-standard cargo. Our packing team applies materials and methods that comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary standards for wooden packing materials and meet the structural requirements for ocean freight handling.

12. Household Goods Packing & Crating

For individuals and corporate clients relocating internationally and shipping household effects by sea, we provide specialist household goods packing and crating services. Our team uses purpose-designed cartons, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and custom-built crates to protect your personal possessions throughout the sea voyage — ensuring your household goods arrive at destination in the same condition they were packed.

13. Warehousing, Assembly & Distribution Logistics

On arrival in Nigeria, your sea freight cargo can be received directly into our warehousing facilities for temporary storage, assembly, quality inspection, repackaging, or distribution preparation before final delivery. This is particularly valuable for businesses that need to consolidate shipments arriving from multiple origins, perform pre-sale preparation of imported goods, or manage inventory that cannot be delivered immediately on arrival.

14. Transport & Marine Insurance

All sea freight shipments handled by ISOX Shipping can be covered by comprehensive marine cargo insurance, protecting the full declared value of your goods against loss, damage, theft, or general average during ocean transit. We work with reputable marine insurers to provide appropriate coverage for all cargo types — from standard commercial goods to high-value project cargo — and manage all insurance documentation as part of your shipping file.

Nigerian Ports We Operate At

ISOX Shipping has established working relationships and operational capability at Nigeria’s major seaports — giving our clients confident, experienced representation at every key point of entry for sea freight into Nigeria.

Apapa Port, Lagos

Nigeria’s largest and busiest container port, handling the majority of the country’s containerised imports. Our team has deep familiarity with Apapa port operations, terminal procedures, and shipping agent relationships.

Onne Free Zone & Port, Rivers State

The primary port for oil and gas sector imports and project cargo in the Niger Delta. Our Port Harcourt office directly supports clearance and logistics operations at Onne.

Calabar Port

A key port serving the South-East and cross-border trade with Cameroon, managed through our agent network for clients requiring clearance at this facility.

Tin Can Island Port, Lagos

A major Lagos seaport handling significant containerised cargo, vehicle imports, and bulk cargo. Known for faster terminal throughput relative to Apapa on certain cargo types.

Port Harcourt Port

Covered by our Port Harcourt team for general cargo sea freight clearance serving the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.

Warri Port

Serving the South-South region and Delta State, with capability for general cargo and petroleum product shipments managed through our regional network.

Global Trade Lanes We Cover

Our sea freight network connects Nigerian importers and exporters to all major international trade routes. We have regular, competitive sailings from the following key origin markets into Nigeria:

Asia — China (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao), South Korea (Busan), Japan (Yokohama, Kobe), Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, India (Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Mundra)
Middle East & Gulf — United Arab Emirates (Jebel Ali / Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam), Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey (Mersin, Istanbul)
Europe — Netherlands (Rotterdam), Germany (Hamburg, Bremen), United Kingdom (Felixstowe, Southampton), Belgium (Antwerp), Spain (Valencia, Barcelona), Italy (Genova, La Spezia)
North America — United States (New York/New Jersey, Houston, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Savannah), Canada (Montreal, Vancouver)
West & Central Africa — Ghana (Tema), Benin Republic (Cotonou), Cameroon (Douala), Senegal (Dakar), Cote d’Ivoire (Abidjan)
South & East Africa — South Africa (Durban, Cape Town), Kenya (Mombasa), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), Ethiopia (Djibouti)
Other origins available on request — contact our sea freight team to confirm coverage and sailing schedules for your specific trade lane

Types of Cargo We Ship by Sea

Our sea freight capability covers the full spectrum of cargo types handled at Nigerian seaports — from standard containerised goods to the most challenging specialist cargo categories.

General & Consumer Goods

FMCG products, retail merchandise, clothing, electronics, household goods, and consumer products of all categories.

Automotive & Vehicles

New and used vehicles, trucks, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery via Ro-Ro or container.

Agricultural Products

Fertilisers, seeds, agrochemicals, and food commodities including grains, rice, sugar, and vegetable oils in bulk or containerised form.

Perishables & Reefer Cargo

Fresh produce, frozen goods, dairy, pharmaceutical products, and other temperature-sensitive cargo moved in refrigerated containers.

Industrial Machinery & Equipment

Factory equipment, production lines, generators, compressors, and industrial plant shipped as FCL, break-bulk, or flat-rack cargo.

Steel & Metal Products

Structural steel, pipes, rebar, aluminium profiles, and metal coils managed as FCL or break-bulk shipments.

Dangerous Goods (IMDG)

IMDG-classified cargo including chemicals, flammable liquids, gases, and corrosive substances shipped in compliance with international maritime dangerous goods regulations.

Project & OOG Cargo

Oversized, heavy-lift, and out-of-gauge industrial components transported on flat-rack, open-top, or break-bulk vessels.

Sea Freight Documentation We Manage

Accurate and complete shipping documentation is essential for smooth sea freight clearance. Errors or omissions in sea freight documents are among the most common causes of cargo delays at Nigerian ports. Our documentation team manages and verifies the full set of documents required for every sea freight shipment:

Bill of Lading (B/L) — The primary sea freight transport document and title to goods, issued by the shipping line and critically important for customs clearance and cargo release
Commercial Invoice — Confirming the value, description, and terms of sale of the goods being shipped
Packing List — Detailing the contents, quantities, weights, and dimensions of all packages in the shipment
Certificate of Origin — Confirming the country of manufacture, required for customs duty assessment and trade preference applications
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate — Where required by Nigerian regulations (SON, NAFDAC, NAQS)
Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO) — Required for Nigerian customs valuation purposes
Form M — The Nigerian foreign exchange approval document required for all imports above a certain threshold
Letter of Credit Documentation — Full document set compliant with LC terms for LC-governed transactions
Dangerous Goods Declaration (IMDG) — For shipments containing classified dangerous goods
Phytosanitary Certificates — For agricultural products and plant-based materials
Health Certificates — For food products and consumables requiring health authority certification
Marine Insurance Certificate — Covering the cargo against loss or damage during ocean transit

How Our Sea Freight Process Works

Our sea freight process is structured for transparency and efficiency — keeping you informed at every stage from booking confirmation to final cargo delivery.

Step 1: Shipment Enquiry & Quotation — Share your cargo details, origin port or city, destination, container type preference (FCL/LCL), and required delivery window. We provide a competitive, itemised sea freight quotation including ocean freight, origin charges, destination port charges, and Nigerian customs duty estimate.

Step 2: Booking Confirmation — On acceptance of our quotation, we confirm container or cargo space with the selected shipping line and issue you a booking confirmation with vessel name, voyage number, and estimated sailing and arrival dates.

Step 3: Origin Cargo Pickup & Stuffing — We coordinate cargo collection from your supplier’s facility or port of loading, supervise container stuffing or break-bulk loading, and confirm cargo condition before departure.

Step 4: Export Documentation & Clearance — We prepare all export shipping documents at origin, manage export customs declarations, and submit the cargo to the shipping line for vessel loading.

Step 5: Vessel Departure & Bill of Lading Issuance — On cargo departure, we obtain the original Bill of Lading from the shipping line and forward all shipping documents to you or your bank as required.

Step 6: In-Transit Tracking — We monitor your vessel’s progress throughout the voyage and provide you with arrival date updates, transhipment confirmations, and any alerts affecting your shipment’s timeline.

Step 7: Pre-Arrival Documentation — Ahead of vessel arrival in Nigeria, we prepare and submit your Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) to the Nigerian Customs Service and coordinate with the shipping line’s Nigerian agent for cargo arrival notification.

Step 8: Port Arrival & Customs Clearance — On vessel arrival at the Nigerian port, our customs team manages all import declaration filing, duty assessment, payment, terminal examination (where applicable), and cargo release processing.

Step 9: Terminal Release & Gate-Out — We coordinate the release of your container or cargo from the terminal and manage trucking from the port gate to your specified delivery address.

Step 10: Delivery & Documentation Handover — Your cargo is delivered to your warehouse, store, or project site. We provide you with the complete set of customs clearance documents, duty payment receipts, and shipping records for your files.

Why Choose ISOX Shipping for Sea Freight?

Multi-Port Nigerian Coverage

We operate across all major Nigerian seaports — Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne Free Zone, Port Harcourt, Calabar — giving you expert clearance support wherever your vessel berths.

Port Harcourt Office

Our dedicated Port Harcourt office means oil and gas clients and South-South importers receive the same level of on-the-ground service as Lagos-based clients.

Full Cargo Insurance Capability

We arrange marine cargo insurance as a standard part of our sea freight service — protecting your goods from the moment they are loaded at origin to final delivery in Nigeria.

Letter of Credit Expertise

Our documentation team’s expertise in LC-compliant document preparation protects Nigerian importers from costly documentary discrepancies that delay payment and cargo release.

In-House Customs Brokerage

Our licensed customs team manages your port clearance directly — not through a third-party sub-contractor — ensuring faster processing, direct accountability, and no clearance surprises.

Global Shipping Line Relationships

Long-standing relationships with major global carriers — including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, and others — give us access to competitive rates and reliable space on key trade lanes.

End-to-End Service Ownership

From the origin booking to Nigerian delivery, ISOX Shipping owns every step — eliminating handover gaps, communication failures, and the finger-pointing that occurs when multiple providers are involved.

CRFFN & NAGAFF Certified

Fully licensed by Nigeria’s freight forwarding regulatory bodies — giving you the assurance of professional standards, regulatory compliance, and legal accountability for every shipment we handle.

Request Your Sea Freight Quote Today

Whether you are shipping a single LCL consignment, booking a full container, or planning a complex break-bulk or project cargo movement — ISOX Shipping’s sea freight team is ready to provide a fast, competitive, and fully itemised quotation for your shipment.

Contact us today with your cargo details and let our sea freight specialists design the most cost-effective ocean shipping solution for your business.

Phone: (234) 816-6004-429 | (234) 814-8734-501

Email: csr@isoxshipping.com

Airport Office: Nacho Complex Suite 5, Beside Nacho Clinic, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Head Office: 14 Adisa Basua Street, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.

Port Harcourt Office: First Floor, No 67, Tombia Extension Road, G.R.A Phase II, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Website: www.isoxshipping.com