Sea Freight from Shanghai to Rotterdam
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shanghai port to Rotterdam. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
28-32 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Shanghai to Rotterdam
Cost Effective
80-90% cheaper than air freight for bulk cargo
High Capacity
FCL and LCL options for any shipment size
Reliable Service
Weekly sailings from major carriers
Global Network
Direct routes to major ports worldwide
Sea freight from the Port of Shanghai to the Port of Rotterdam offers exceptional value for businesses shipping large volumes or non-urgent cargo to the Netherlands. This route connects Asia's busiest container port with Europe's largest port, providing access to over 100 weekly sailings from major carriers like Maersk, MSC, and COSCO. Your cargo travels safely in secure containers across one of the world's most established shipping lanes, with excellent tracking systems that let you monitor your goods throughout the journey.
Rotterdam's advanced port infrastructure means faster unloading and connection to European road, rail, and inland waterway networks. The cost savings compared to air freight can be 70-80% lower, making it ideal for furniture, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods destined for Dutch and broader European markets.
Route Highlights
28-32 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam
Current 2026 sea freight rates from Shanghai to Rotterdam typically range from $2,800 to $4,200 for a 20-foot container and $3,500 to $5,800 for a 40-foot container, depending on cargo type and booking timing. Container rates fluctuate based on seasonal demand, with peak season from September to November seeing 20-30% higher costs due to holiday shipping volumes. Additional charges include bunker adjustment factor (BAF) of $200-400 per container, terminal handling charges at both ports totaling around $300-500, and documentation fees of $75-150. Smart shippers can reduce costs by booking during shoulder seasons, consolidating smaller shipments into full container loads, and working with freight forwarders who have volume contracts with major carriers.
Quick Rate Guide
20ft Container
Standard dry
$1,800-2,800
40ft Container
Standard dry
$2,400-4,200
LCL Shipment
Per cubic meter
$45-85/CBM
Additional Costs
Delivery Timeline
Transit Times for Sea Freight from Shanghai to Rotterdam
Step 1
Cargo Loading
1-2 days
Container stuffing at origin
Step 2
Export Clearance
1-2 days
Documentation and customs
Step 3
Ocean Transit
15-25 days
Sailing to destination port
Step 4
Import Clearance
1-3 days
Customs inspection and release
Step 5
Final Delivery
1-5 days
Transport to final destination
Express
20-25 Days
Direct service with priority handling
Standard
25-35 Days
Regular service with full tracking
Economy
35-45 Days
Consolidated for maximum savings
Ocean transit from Shanghai to Rotterdam takes 28-32 days for standard sea freight service, with the actual sailing time accounting for 24-26 days of that total duration. Customs clearance and port processing at Rotterdam typically adds 2-4 days, though this can extend during peak periods or if your shipment requires additional inspections. Express sea services can reduce total transit time to 25-28 days by using faster vessels and priority port handling, while economy options may take 35-40 days with multiple port stops along the route. Preparing complete and accurate documentation before your cargo arrives, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and any required certificates, can cut clearance time by 1-2 days and prevent costly delays at Rotterdam's customs facilities.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
| Carrier | 40GP (USD) | 40HQ (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC | $1,650 | $1,650 | 42 days |
| Maersk | $1,700 | $1,700 | 45 days |
Pricing Disclaimer
These prices are subject to change based on market conditions, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. Contact us for the most up-to-date pricing and a customized quote for your specific shipment needs. Prices shown are for standard cargo and may vary for special cargo types.
Standard
20ft FCL
6.1m × 2.4m × 2.6m
Contact for pricing
Extra Height
40ft High Cube
12.2m × 2.4m × 2.9m
See 40HQ rates above
Less than Container
LCL Shipment
Per CBM
From $45/CBM
Custom
Special Cargo
Various
Get custom quote
Equipment
Container Types Available
20ft Dry Container
Standard general cargo container
40ft Dry Container
High capacity for large shipments
40ft High Cube
Extra height for bulky cargo
20ft Refrigerated
Temperature-controlled cargo
Open Top Container
For oversized cargo loading
Flat Rack Container
Heavy machinery and equipment
Track Record
Reliable Service
Our Shanghai to Rotterdam corridor represents years of refined expertise and thousands of successful shipments.
15+
Years Experience
25K+
Containers Shipped
99.5%
On-Time Delivery
24/7
Support Available
Process
How Our Sea Freight Process Works
Quote & Booking
1-2 daysGet a customized quote and book your container.
Collection & Export
2-3 daysWe collect cargo and handle export documentation.
Ocean Transit
12-20 daysYour cargo travels safely across the ocean.
Port Handling
2-3 daysCustoms clearance and port procedures completed.
Final Delivery
1-2 daysCargo delivered to your specified destination.
Key Documents
See full documentation requirements below
Cargo Types
What Ships from Shanghai to Rotterdam?
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Shanghai to Rotterdam, Netherlands:
High-Tech
Computer servers, data storage units, and networking hardware
Medical Equipment
Personal protective equipment, medical devices, and healthcare furniture
Chemicals & Plastics
Base polymers and chemical processing materials
Consumer Goods
Mass-market goods for pan-European retail networks
Reefer Cargo
Temperature-controlled foods and organic ingredients
Dangerous Goods
Hazardous materials including batteries and industrial chemicals
Documentation
Required Documents to Ship from Shanghai to Rotterdam
To ship goods from Shanghai to Rotterdam, you'll need these documents. For sea freight, you'll receive a Bill of Lading (B/L) as your transport receipt.
Universal Requirements
Describes the goods, value, and buyer/seller details
Specifies cargo measurements, weights, and how items are packed
Documentation of the purchase terms and conditions
Verifies Chinese origin for preferential duty treatment
Sea Freight Requirements for Netherlands
Entry Summary Declaration for EU port entry
Required if goods are transshipping through Rotterdam to another EU country
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Netherlands Customs Notes
Article 23 VAT Deferment available - improves cash flow for sea freight importers
Rotterdam is a major transshipment hub - T1 documents needed for onward EU transit
Dutch customs offer simplified procedures for trusted importers (AEO)
EORI number is mandatory for all EU imports
Customs
Clearing Customs in Rotterdam
Understanding Netherlands's customs process helps ensure your Shanghai shipment clears without delays or penalties. With sea freight, you have weeks to prepare documentation, but errors can lead to significant daily storage fees (demurrage) at the port.
ENS Declaration
EU regulations require ENS submission before your vessel reaches Netherlands waters.
Article 23 VAT Deferment
Article 23 is the #1 reason importers choose the Netherlands. Defer VAT until your periodic return.
Rotterdam Transshipment
If your final destination isn't the Netherlands, you'll need T1 documents for EU transit.
Netherlands Clearance Focus Areas
AEO status available for simplified customs procedures
EORI number is mandatory for all EU imports
Rotterdam is a top EU transshipment hub—T1 documents needed for transit
Article 23 VAT deferment is a major advantage for importers
Hazardous Materials
Shipping Hazmat to Rotterdam
Transporting dangerous goods from Shanghai requires careful compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and Netherlands import rules. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Current SDS documentation in dual language format is mandatory for all dangerous goods
Formal DGD signed by the shipper declaring the nature and classification of hazardous contents
Round-the-clock emergency contact required—must reach someone who knows the technical specifications
UN-approved packaging with proper certification stamps is required for all hazardous shipments
Sea Freight DG Rules for Netherlands
T1 Transit Document
DG landing in Rotterdam but destined elsewhere must have T1 Transit Documents for onward movement.
Rotterdam Gateway
Rotterdam's facilities make it ideal for DG transshipment throughout Europe.
ADR Compliance
ADR road transport rules apply immediately when DG exits the port by ground transport.
Netherlands DG Shipping Considerations
Rotterdam is Europe's primary DG gateway port
ADR compliance mandatory for road transport from ports
T1 transit documents required for onward EU shipment
Bonded storage available for deferred duty payment
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Shanghai to Rotterdam?
Sea freight from Shanghai to Rotterdam typically takes 28-32 days for port-to-port transit. Actual delivery time may vary by 2-5 days depending on vessel schedules, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
What is the estimated cost of shipping a container from Shanghai to Rotterdam?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai to Rotterdam ranges from $1,650 to $1,700 depending on the carrier and service level. LCL rates typically start around $45-85 per CBM. Contact us for current rates and a customized quote.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Shanghai to Rotterdam shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Shanghai to Rotterdam shipment depends on cargo volume. FCL (Full Container Load) is more cost-effective for shipments over 15 CBM, while LCL (Less than Container Load) is better for smaller volumes under 10 CBM. FCL also offers faster transit and lower risk of damage.
What documents do I need to ship from China to Netherlands?
Documents required to ship from China to Netherlands include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and customs declaration forms. Additional certificates may be required depending on your product type.
What factors can cause delays on the Shanghai to Rotterdam route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Shanghai to Rotterdam route include port congestion, adverse weather conditions, customs inspections, incomplete documentation, and peak season volume. Planning ahead and ensuring accurate documentation helps minimize delays.
Which port in Shanghai should I choose for the fastest service to Rotterdam?
For the fastest sea freight service to Rotterdam, Shanghai is an excellent choice with 28-32 days transit time. Shanghai and Ningbo ports offer frequent sailings and excellent connectivity.
Are there direct sea freight services from Shanghai to Rotterdam?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Shanghai to Rotterdam offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 28-32 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Shanghai, Shanghai to Rotterdam?
Import duty from Shanghai to Rotterdam is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Netherlands's tariff rates. Netherlands applies duties based on product classification. A customs broker can provide accurate duty estimates.
Do I need insurance to ship from Shanghai, Shanghai to Rotterdam?
Insurance for shipping from Shanghai to Rotterdam is highly recommended though not legally required. Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of cargo value and covers loss or damage during transit. Given the 28-32-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Shanghai to Rotterdam?
The cost of shipping from Shanghai to Rotterdam is affected by container type and size, cargo weight and volume, fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, carrier selection, and additional services like customs clearance. Peak seasons (August-October) typically see higher rates due to increased demand.
What is the best way to track my shipment from Shanghai to Rotterdam?
The best way to track your shipment from Shanghai to Rotterdam is through our online tracking portal using your Bill of Lading number. You'll receive real-time updates on vessel location, estimated arrival, and customs status. Our team also provides proactive notifications for any schedule changes.
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Explore Other Routes
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