Container shipping Hamburg to Hong Kong

You are planning to ship a container from Hamburg to Hong Kong (HKHKG)? Sea freight has many advantages: you can ship heavy cargo for a good price, it is economical and it is eco-friendly. Transporting a sea container with breakbulk or furniture can be outsourced to e.g. TS Lines. They offer all kind of containers. A big difference is being made between (FCL) Full Container Load and (LCL) and partial shipments. Via our transport specialists we provide useful information for the purpose of international transport Hong Kong (HK HKG). You will find useful information about the ways in which you can transport cargo by sea. Further on you can read a step-by-step import plan. Mail us with your needs and receive a quote with market prices.

Ocean shipping is a smart, trustworthy and low cost-way to import and export goods internationally.
When you compare it with air shipments, it is cheaper and there are less restrictions.
Sea freight is great for international movings and transporting food or cars and other vehicles.
The Port of Hong Kong is an important hub in Hong Kong.
Frequently used containers types are: 20 footers, 40 footers and Dry Van, Hard-Top, Insulated, Ventilated, Open-Top, Refrigerated containers.

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Table of contents

Shipping to Hong Kong (HKHKG) from Hamburg (DEHAM)

Ocean freight shipping is the process of shipping goods by sea using containers. Your material is loaded into the container. The middleman (freight forwarder) sends the location details to you. The cargo will be trucked to the shipping vessel at the port of departure Hong Kong (HK HKG), and will be shipped by ocean to the agent at the arrival port. They provide you options like port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door or door-to-door. In the table below you can read different kind of info about the port of arrival.

Port of departure	Port of Hamburg (DEHAM)
Country of departure	Germany
Port of destination	Port of Hong Kong
Country of destination	Hong Kong
Port Code	HKHKG
Transportation time	+/- 48 days
Shipping rates	$
Local address	Marine Department, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong
E-mail	mdenquiry@mardep.gov.hk
Website	www.gov.hk
Phone number	(852)25423711

Freight Forwarder Hamburg – port of Hong Kong

Cargo details
Enter the departure port and the POD (port of destination). Specify your preference: (FCL) full containers or a shared container (LCL). You can also choose the size of the container (twenty foot, forty foot or a high cube).
Loading and labeling the freight
As a starting point, make sure the freight is packed securely. To transport the cargo in good condition, it is best to pack the freight on pallets. Don’t forget to label the cargo!
Customs documents and procedures
When exporting goods to Hong Kong (HKHKG), you must send several export documents (on behalf of national customs): commercial invoice, certificates of origin, packing list, export/import customs declaration, packing declaration. A Bill of Lading is a standard-form document issued by a Carrier to a Shipper, to confirm that the goods match the description listed on the paperwork and that the load is prepared for shipping.
Incoterms for your freight
Incoterms are important to define responsibility and liability for shipment of the goods. The agreed Incoterm determines who is responsible for e.g export/import documents, insurances and transport. Frequently used incoterms are Ex Works (EXW), Free On Board (FOB), Cost, Insurance Freight (CIF).
Track your shipment
Use the track and trace service to see where your freight is at this moment. You can see exactly when the freight has been loaded at the POL (port of origin), arrived at Port of Discharge (POD) and when your cargo has been unloaded at the final destination.

Sea freight from Hong Kong (HKHKG) to Hamburg (DEHAM): pick your container

You are going to ship a container from port of Hong Kong – (HK HKG) to port of Hamburg – (DE HAM)? It is crucial to rent a suitable container. Based on your load you choose a size (20 foot, 40 foot) and multiple transport options (LCL shipment or FCL shipment). Popular shipping lines include APL, China Shipping, CMA CGM, Evergreen, FESCO, Hamburg Sud, Hanjin, Hapag-Lloyd, K Line, Maersk, MOL, MSC, NYK, OOCL, ZIM. There is a good connection to important cities in the area. In the section below you will find useful information about the most common sizes and types. We also offer more information about 20-foot Container.

What you need to know about the 20 FT container

20 foot containers (a.k.a. dry van) is the most versatile container type. They are relatively easy to ship, so the transport costs are quite low. Particularly suitable for the transport of personal items and international movings. Nice to know: A TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit.

A very popular box for transporting cargo via the ocean.
A 20-foot container know the following size description: 5.90m x 2,35m x 2,39m.
You can use 11 pallets on one tier.
In terms of weight load, the following applies: +/- 27.100 kg.

Important specifications of the 40 ft container

Besides the 20-foot, the 40-foot container is another popular option. Many kinds of products can be loaded and stored in it. This makes it a popular choice for shipping large quantities of goods. In conclusion, there are also special 40 foot containers such as the ‘high cube’ box. You have more height at your disposal. This ensures that your cargo/goods can be loaded higher.

They are ideal for big shipments.
The dimensions are the same internationally: 12.025m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high.
It can hold 23-24 Euro pallets or 20-21 standard pallets in one row.
In terms of weight fits maximum: +/- 28.400 kg.

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What is the meaning of FCL container?

f you have enough goods to fill one full container load, then renting a full container is the most interesting. Within the logistics sector this is called FCL (Full Container Load). You don’t need to share it with other merchandise. The advantages are great: optimal transit time, less potential for damage and you take advantage of economies of scale. Pay attention to the disadvantages: it is not suitable for small cargo and insurance is extra important. Do you want to send items from another port? Check also Antwerp to Hong Kong (HKHKG) and Rotterdam to Hong Kong (HKHKG).

The concept of FCL is that you get the universal right to your own container.
Ideal for bulk items and large-volume products.
If you’re shipping more than 14 m3.
Available at: e.g. MSC, Maersk, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE.

When is a LCL container a good choice?

If you want to transport a small cargo by sea, then your freight will be bundled with other freights. You choose a LCL (Less Than Container Load) contract. The concept of LCL is that you pay per m3 or per metric ton for space inside a complete container. You benefit from many advantages: perfect for shipping small loads, you spend less on inventory space and lower sourcing risk. Notable: if 50% of the container consists of your goods, then it is often more interesting to go for an FCL shipping. The cost of LCL is based on the volume in m3 and the weight of the freight.

The idea of LCL is that your shipment is taking up only a part of a partial container.
Cost effective for shipments between 2 m3 & 16 m3.
Freight costs are typically based on cargo volume.
There is always sufficient availability (every season).
Available at: e.g. Wan Hai, HMM, Evergreen, Yang Ming, POL.

Other container types for special loads

The range of boxes is very diverse for international cargo shipping. There is a suitable solution for every type of cargo. The Dry van is suitable for many common goods. But there are also specific options for liquids, vegetables and fruit or other special goods. We give a short explanation below. You can also look further at transport options in Minneapolis (USMES), port of Libreville (GALBV), Da Nang (VNDAD) harbor and terminal Shimizu (JPSMZ).

Bulk Containers: very suitable for dry bulk goods such as as grain, feedstuffs, spices.
Flat Rack Containers: internationally used when the cargo cannot fit inside a standard box.
Hard-Top Containers: the walls are generally made of corrugated steel.
High-Cube Containers: similar in structure to standard containers, but taller.
Insulated Containers: for e.g. pharmaceutical products, fresh produce, beverages, frozen goods, and chemicals.

Open-Top Containers: also have end doors, like closed containers, to give flexibility for loading and unloading.
Palletwide Containers: perfect for transporting cargo on europellets.
Refrigerated Containers: cold air blows from the refrigeration unit through the vents at the bottom of the reefer.
Tank Containers: a cylindrical-shaped container primarily made of stainless steel.
Ventilated Containers: ventilation is provided by openings in the top and bottom side rails.

Main types of ocean cargo: What do you want to ship?

Exporting stuff by sea from Hamburg (DEHAM) to Hong Kong (HKHKG) has lots of advantages: low tariffs, high sea vessel load capacity and minimal restrictions. Much seen ocean cargo imported via sea shipping includes: neo bulk, break bulk, dry bulk, roll on/roll off, containerized. Below we give an explanation.

Car shipping: it saves money and time to to have your vehicle shipped.
House Moving: choose reliable transport options for personal items (relocation).
Removals (Household Goods): all your household effects shipped inexpensive and insured.
Liquid Bulk: e.g. gasoline, hydrogen, diesel, chemicals, kerosene, biofuels.
Dry Bulk: grain, iron ore, grain and sugar, plates, cement, salt.
Roll on Roll off (RORO): vessel has facilities to enable road or rail vehicles to roll on and roll off.
Breakbulk: consists of goods transported, stored and handled piecemeal to some degree.
Retail & other: cargo like medical/pharmacy, art and antiques, toys, clothes, electronic goods + shoes, fashion, food, furniture, machines.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about international transport

What is the estimated transit time from Hamburg to Hong Kong?

Shipping a container from Hamburg (DE) to Hong Kong takes around 48 days. The total distance is approx. 11600 nautical miles (NM). That equates to 21483 km. In case of sea freight, you have to take into account 2 important values (ETD and ETA). ETD means the Estimated Time Of Departure. ETA is the date and time at which the vessel is expected to arrive at the dock. The exact shipping time depends on draft and speed, weather conditions and type of cargo.

What is the total price of shipping a container to Hong Kong (HKHKG)?

Shipping rates from Hamburg (Germany) to Hong Kong (Hong Kong) are relatively cheap. The total cost depends on a number of factors like container size, transit time and currency. Request a quote without obligation for a clear quote and estimated shipping time.

What customs documents are needed?

When you are exporting goods to Hong Kong, then the customs clearance will also pass. Exporters need to include the following documents with their goods: Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, Letter of Credit, Import/export Licenses. For questions or additional information, please contact the customs of Hong Kong or visit the website of the port / gouvernment (www.gov.hk).

What incoterm should I use for shipping?

Incoterms describe the rights and obligations of both seller and buyer. The two most popular Incoterms rules in maritime shipping are FOB and CIF. Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) means the exporting party bears responsibility for the transportation to the port of destination. Free on Board (FOB) means the seller must arrange all processes concerning the goods until they have been placed on board of the ship. Other commonly used Incoterms 2000 are e.g. Ex Works (EXW), Carriage Paid To (CPT), Free Alongside Ship (FAS), Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) + Cost and Freight (CFR), Carriage and Insurance Paid To (CIP), Delivered At Place (DAP).