– Services
Ocean freight from Cape Town
Ocean Logistics arranges sea freight for importers and exporters in South Africa, from a few pallets in a shared container (LCL) to full containers (FCL). You get one named contact who explains the options, books the shipment, keeps you updated and helps with the paperwork from origin to final delivery.
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Who it's for
- Businesses importing stock, machinery or raw materials into South Africa
- Exporters sending goods from Cape Town to international markets
- Shipments that are too large or heavy for air freight to make sense
- Private individuals moving personal effects overseas
What we handle
- Shared container (LCL) bookings for smaller loads
- Full container (FCL) bookings
- Port-to-port or door-to-door arrangements
- Collection to the port and delivery after arrival by road
- Customs clearance through licensed clearing partners
How it works
Tell us about the shipment
What it is, where it is now, where it needs to go, and roughly how big and heavy it is.
Get a clear quote
We confirm LCL or FCL, the route, what is included and the typical timing, so there are no surprises later.
We book and collect
Space is booked on a sailing and the goods are collected and delivered to the port or depot.
Paperwork and clearance
We help prepare the documents and arrange customs clearance with licensed partners.
Final delivery
After arrival and clearance, the goods are delivered to the agreed address and you are kept updated throughout.
What we need from you
- Collection and delivery addresses (or ports)
- A description of the goods and their value
- Number of packages or pallets, dimensions and weight
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Your preferred Incoterm, if you know it (for example FOB or CIF)
What affects the price
- Shared (LCL) or full container (FCL)
- Volume and weight of the cargo
- Route, ports and the sailing schedule
- Door-to-door or port-to-port
- Customs duties and VAT on imports, which are separate from freight
- Storage or port charges if goods are not collected or cleared in time
- Family-ownedA Cape Town business built on long-term relationships.
- One named contactSpeak to Nick directly, by phone, email or WhatsApp.
- Tracking includedFollow your shipment online with Track Parcel.
- Rated 5.0 on GoogleFrom 42 reviews by our clients.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LCL and FCL?
LCL (less than container load) means your goods share a container with other shipments, so you pay for the space you use. FCL (full container load) means you book a whole container. LCL usually suits smaller loads; FCL often becomes better value once your cargo fills most of a container.
How long does sea freight take?
It depends on the route and sailing schedule. Typically it takes several weeks door to door, including time at the ports and customs clearance. We confirm the expected timing on your quote.
Who pays the import duty and VAT?
Usually the importer pays duty and VAT when the goods are cleared in South Africa, unless your Incoterm says otherwise. We explain the expected charges when we quote.
Can you collect from the supplier and deliver to my door?
Yes, we can arrange door-to-door shipments, including collection at origin and delivery by road after the goods arrive and are cleared.
Do I need to be registered to import?
Businesses importing goods for commercial purposes generally need to register with SARS for a customs client (importer's) code. Private individuals importing small amounts for their own use usually don't. Ask us and we will advise.
Related services
Air Freight
Air freight for urgent or high-value cargo, with timing typically confirmed on your quote.
Customs Clearance
We arrange customs clearance through licensed partners, so your imports and exports move with the right paperwork.
Ground Transport
Road freight and transport within South Africa, typically between major centres and onward by arrangement.
Courier options
Compare same day, overnight, economy road, cross-border and international courier services.
Ready to move it?
Tell us what you are sending and where it is going. We reply with a clear price and the right service, usually within one business day.