Sea Freight from Shenzhen to Rotterdam
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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
Shipping from the Port of Shenzhen to the Port of Rotterdam offers exceptional value for businesses moving large volumes of goods between China and the Netherlands. This route connects China's manufacturing powerhouse directly to Europe's largest port, giving you access to premium carriers like MSC, Maersk, and COSCO that operate regular weekly services. Your cargo enjoys excellent protection in weatherproof containers while crossing this well-established trade lane, which handles over 2.3 million TEU annually between these ports.
Rotterdam's advanced container handling facilities and direct rail connections to major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and The Hague make this route ideal for electronics, textiles, and consumer goods destined for Netherlands' strong retail market. The consistent sailing schedules and competitive ocean freight rates deliver significant cost savings compared to air freight, especially for shipments over 500 kg.
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 Shenzhen to Rotterdam
Ocean freight rates from Shenzhen to Rotterdam in 2026 typically range from $850 to $1,200 per 20-foot container (FCL) and $1,400 to $1,900 per 40-foot container, depending on seasonal demand and carrier selection. Less than container load (LCL) shipments generally cost between $45 to $75 per cubic meter, with rates climbing during peak seasons from September through November when European retailers stock up for the holidays. Additional charges include a bunker adjustment factor of approximately $180 per container, terminal handling fees of $65 at Shenzhen and $95 at Rotterdam, plus documentation fees around $50 per shipment. Smart shippers reduce costs by booking during shoulder seasons (March-May), consolidating smaller shipments into full containers when possible, and working with freight forwarders who have strong carrier relationships. Consider that customs duties and VAT for Netherlands imports will add roughly 15-25% to your landed costs depending on product classification.
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 Shenzhen 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
Container vessels sailing from Shenzhen to Rotterdam require 28 to 32 days of ocean transit, with most major carriers offering weekly departures that follow the traditional Asia-Europe shipping route through the Suez Canal. Dutch customs clearance typically adds 2 to 4 days to your total timeline, though pre-clearing documentation and using authorized economic operators can reduce this to 24-48 hours for routine shipments. Premium services from carriers like Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM may shave 2-3 days off standard transit times through faster vessel schedules and priority port handling. Expedite your shipment by ensuring all commercial documents are accurate before departure, using a local customs broker familiar with Netherlands import requirements, and avoiding peak congestion periods at Rotterdam during the fourth quarter. Plan for potential delays during Chinese New Year (February) and European summer holidays when reduced port operations can extend transit times by up to a week.
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 | 44 days |
| Maersk | $1,700 | $1,700 | 46 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 Shenzhen 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
Top Cargo Categories: Shenzhen to Rotterdam
Businesses regularly ship the following product categories from Shenzhen to Rotterdam, Netherlands:
High-Tech
Data center hardware, NAS devices, and routing equipment
Medical Equipment
Healthcare supplies, diagnostic tools, and medical infrastructure
Chemicals & Plastics
Raw polymer resins and specialized chemical additives
Consumer Goods
Retail products destined for European fulfillment centers
Reefer Cargo
Refrigerated commodities and fresh food items
Dangerous Goods
DG cargo including battery packs and chemical products
Documentation
Essential Paperwork: Shenzhen to Rotterdam
To ship goods from Shenzhen 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
Contains item values, quantities, and seller/buyer information
Evidence of the transaction between parties
Certifies the country of manufacture for tariff purposes
Documents packaging details and physical cargo specifications
Sea Freight Requirements for Netherlands
Entry Summary Declaration for EU port entry
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
Required if goods are transshipping through Rotterdam to another EU country
Netherlands Customs Notes
Article 23 VAT Deferment available - improves cash flow for sea freight importers
Dutch customs offer simplified procedures for trusted importers (AEO)
EORI number is mandatory for all EU imports
Rotterdam is a major transshipment hub - T1 documents needed for onward EU transit
Customs
Customs Clearance for Rotterdam Imports
Customs clearance is more than a single step—it encompasses compliance verification, valuation assessment, and security screening. 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
Hazardous Materials: Shenzhen to Rotterdam
Hazardous materials shipments to Rotterdam are governed by IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge
Sea Freight DG Rules for Netherlands
T1 Transit Document
T1 documentation required for DG transiting Netherlands to final EU destinations.
Rotterdam Gateway
Rotterdam is the "Entry Point" for most DG destined for the rest of Europe.
ADR Compliance
European road transport of DG requires ADR-compliant vehicles and documentation.
Netherlands DG Shipping Considerations
Rotterdam is Europe's primary DG gateway port
ADR compliance mandatory for road transport from ports
Bonded storage available for deferred duty payment
T1 transit documents required for onward EU shipment
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Shenzhen to Rotterdam?
Sea freight from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Rotterdam?
The estimated cost of shipping a 40ft container from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Rotterdam shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Rotterdam route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Shenzhen 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 Guangdong should I choose for the fastest service to Rotterdam?
For the fastest sea freight service to Rotterdam, Shenzhen is an excellent choice with 28-32 days transit time. South China ports like Shenzhen and Guangzhou provide competitive transit times with multiple weekly departures.
Are there direct sea freight services from Shenzhen to Rotterdam?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen, Guangdong to Rotterdam?
Import duty from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen, Guangdong to Rotterdam?
Insurance for shipping from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Rotterdam?
The cost of shipping from Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen to Rotterdam?
The best way to track your shipment from Shenzhen 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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