Sea Freight from Xiamen to Bremerhaven
Cost-effective ocean shipping service from Xiamen port to Bremerhaven. Comprehensive FCL and LCL container shipping solutions with reliable transit times and professional cargo handling throughout the journey.
Transit
30-35 days
Departures
Weekly departures
Why Sea Freight
Benefits of Sea Freight Shipping from Xiamen to Bremerhaven
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
Xiamen Port to Bremerhaven represents one of the most reliable container routes connecting Southeast China's manufacturing hub to Germany's premier gateway for European distribution. Major carriers like COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC operate regular weekly services on this route, ensuring consistent capacity even during peak seasons when other routes face congestion. Your cargo benefits from Xiamen's advanced container handling facilities and direct rail connections to inland Chinese manufacturing centers, while Bremerhaven's position as Europe's fourth-largest container port provides excellent onward connections via truck, rail, and barge to German industrial centers.
The Port of Xiamen's efficiency ratings consistently rank among China's top five, with average container dwell times of just 2.1 days, meaning your goods move quickly through the export process. This route particularly excels for automotive parts, machinery, electronics, and textiles destined for German markets, where Bremerhaven's specialized handling equipment and customs expertise ensure smooth cargo delivery.
Route Highlights
30-35 days
Transit Time
Weekly departures
Sailing Frequency
<0.1%
Cargo Damage Rate
FCL & LCL
Container Options
Pricing Guide
Sea Freight Shipping Rates from Xiamen to Bremerhaven
Current sea freight rates from Xiamen to Bremerhaven in 2026 average $2,800 to $3,400 per 20-foot container (TEU) and $4,200 to $5,100 per 40-foot container, reflecting the route's strong demand and premium carrier services. These base rates include port handling at both ends, but you should budget an additional $400 to $600 for documentation, customs brokerage, and fuel surcharges that fluctuate with global oil prices. LCL shipments (less than container load) typically cost $180 to $220 per cubic meter, making them cost-effective for smaller businesses testing German markets or shipping high-value, low-volume goods. Peak season surcharges from September through November can add $500 to $800 per container as European retailers stock up for the holiday season. Booking directly with carriers 4-6 weeks in advance often secures better rates, and consolidating multiple shipments into full container loads can reduce your per-unit costs by 25-30% compared to LCL pricing.
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 Xiamen to Bremerhaven
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
Sea freight from Xiamen to Bremerhaven requires 30-35 days total transit time, with the ocean voyage itself taking 26-28 days depending on the specific carrier routing and any intermediate port calls in Singapore or Mediterranean hubs. German customs clearance at Bremerhaven typically processes within 2-4 business days for standard commercial goods, though automotive components and electronics may require additional technical documentation that extends clearance by 1-2 days. Express services offered by premium carriers can shave 3-4 days off standard transit times but cost 15-20% more than regular sailings. Your shipment moves faster when you provide complete and accurate commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin before the vessel departs Xiamen, as German customs can begin preliminary clearance processing while cargo is still in transit. Container tracking systems from major carriers provide real-time updates, and coordinating with experienced German customs brokers familiar with your product category often prevents delays that could extend delivery by a full week.
Pricing
Container Options & Pricing
Transparent pricing for FCL and LCL shipments. All rates include standard handling.
Standard
20ft FCL
$2,400 - $3,200
Popular
40ft FCL
$2,800 - $4,000
Standard
40ft HC FCL
$3,000 - $4,300
Standard
LCL Shipment
$45 - $85 /CBM
Note: Rates are estimates and may vary based on cargo type, seasonal demand, and market conditions.
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 Xiamen to Bremerhaven 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
Popular Items on the Xiamen to Bremerhaven Route
This route serves as a major trade lane for various goods. Common shipments from Xiamen to Bremerhaven include:
Automotive
Electric vehicle components, sensor systems, and car interiors
Advanced Tech
High-tech components, integrated circuits, and 5G equipment
Industrial Machinery
Precision lathes, robotic arms, and hydraulic components
Consumer Electronics
Sound systems, display panels, and robot vacuums
Textiles
Apparel manufacturing and specialized textile products
Dangerous Goods
DG cargo including battery packs and chemical products
Documentation
Essential Paperwork: Xiamen to Bremerhaven
To ship goods from Xiamen to Bremerhaven, 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 Germany
Entry Summary Declaration required under the ICS2 security system
Title document for ocean cargo - required for cargo release
EU Economic Operator Registration required for all imports
Key Points for Germany
German customs are strict on product compliance (CE marking, REACH)
Packaging regulations (VerpackG) require registration with LUCID
Battery registration required for products containing batteries
VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged at import - typically 19%
Customs
Customs Clearance for Bremerhaven 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
Submit your Entry Summary Declaration in advance to comply with EU import control regulations.
Einfuhrumsatzsteuer
Import VAT at 19% is payable upon clearance. Registered businesses can reclaim this later.
CE Marking Compliance
Product compliance is strictly enforced. Missing CE marks or documentation can result in cargo seizure.
Key Germany Import Considerations
Packaging registration (VerpackG) requires LUCID registration
Battery registration required for products containing batteries
19% import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) applies to all goods
Product compliance (CE marking, REACH) is strictly enforced
Hazardous Materials
Shipping Hazmat to Bremerhaven
Transporting dangerous goods from Xiamen requires careful compliance with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and Germany import rules. Sea freight allows larger quantities but requires careful planning for extended transit times.
Universal Requirements for All DG Shipments
A signed DGD is mandatory, accurately listing all hazardous materials and their classifications
All containers require UN-stamped packaging certified for the hazard class of the contents
Safety Data Sheet must be current (within 1 year) and provided in both English and Chinese
Include an emergency phone number staffed continuously by personnel with cargo knowledge
Sea Freight DG Rules for Germany
GHS German Language Labels
For German market sales, ensure all GHS labeling is translated to German.
Hamburg/Bremerhaven Entry
Hamburg and Bremerhaven offer specialized infrastructure for dangerous goods.
Technical Documentation
Germany requires comprehensive technical documentation for dangerous goods imports.
Key Points for Germany Hazmat
GHS labels must be in German for domestic sales
Frankfurt (FRA) is the main air cargo DG hub
Hamburg and Bremerhaven are primary DG ports
Overpack labeling requires minimum 12mm letter height
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take from Xiamen to Bremerhaven?
Sea freight from Xiamen to Bremerhaven typically takes 30-35 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 Xiamen to Bremerhaven?
The cost of shipping a container from Xiamen to Bremerhaven varies based on container size, carrier, and current market conditions. FCL rates typically range from $2,800-$4,500 for a 40ft container, while LCL rates start around $45-85 per CBM. Request a quote for accurate pricing.
Should I choose FCL or LCL for my Xiamen to Bremerhaven shipment?
Choosing between FCL and LCL for your Xiamen to Bremerhaven 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 Germany?
Documents required to ship from China to Germany 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 Xiamen to Bremerhaven route?
Factors that can cause delays on the Xiamen to Bremerhaven 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 Fujian should I choose for the fastest service to Bremerhaven?
For the fastest sea freight service to Bremerhaven, Xiamen is an excellent choice with 30-35 days transit time. This port offers regular services with reliable transit times.
Are there direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Bremerhaven?
Yes, there are direct sea freight services from Xiamen to Bremerhaven offered by major carriers including COSCO, MSC, Maersk, and Evergreen. Direct services provide the fastest transit times of 30-35 days. Transshipment options via hub ports may also be available at competitive rates.
How can I calculate import duty from Xiamen, Fujian to Bremerhaven?
Import duty from Xiamen to Bremerhaven is calculated based on the HS code of your goods, the declared value (CIF), and Germany's tariff rates. Germany applies duties based on product classification. A customs broker can provide accurate duty estimates.
Do I need insurance to ship from Xiamen, Fujian to Bremerhaven?
Insurance for shipping from Xiamen to Bremerhaven 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 30-35-day journey, insurance provides valuable protection against unforeseen events.
What factors affect the cost of shipping from Xiamen to Bremerhaven?
The cost of shipping from Xiamen to Bremerhaven 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 Xiamen to Bremerhaven?
The best way to track your shipment from Xiamen to Bremerhaven 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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