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ARK Shipping Services
Loaded container vessel leaving port escorted by a tug

Service

Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)

Full container (FCL) and shared container (LCL) shipping from Jebel Ali, with booking, documents and tracking handled by one team.

Overview

Sea freight is the most economical way to move volume cargo in and out of the UAE. We book space on mainline and feeder carriers calling Jebel Ali, then manage everything around the sailing: empty container release, stuffing, export documents, the bill of lading and arrival notices at destination.

If your cargo fills a container, Full Container Load (FCL) gives you a sealed box from origin to destination. If it does not, Less than Container Load (LCL) lets you pay only for the cubic metres you use while we consolidate your goods with other shippers.

What’s included

  • FCL in 20′, 40′ and 40′ HC

    Standard dry containers, plus open-top, flat-rack and reefer equipment on request, subject to carrier availability.

  • LCL consolidation

    Ship from one cubic metre. Cargo is received, measured and loaded into a consolidated box, then de-consolidated at the destination CFS.

  • Export & import documentation

    Bill of lading drafts, packing list checks, certificates of origin and delivery orders prepared before cut-off.

  • Door-to-port or door-to-door

    Pickup from your supplier or warehouse in the UAE and onward delivery at destination through our partner network.

  • Cargo insurance on request

    Marine cargo cover arranged through insurers so your shipment is protected against loss or damage in transit.

  • Shipment tracking

    Vessel and container milestones shared on WhatsApp or email, from gate-in to discharge.

How it works

  1. Quote

    Send origin, destination, cargo type and volume. We return an itemised rate with freight, local charges and validity.

  2. Booking

    We confirm space with the carrier and share the booking number, cut-off times and empty release.

  3. Stuffing & gate-in

    Cargo is loaded at your premises or our partner warehouse and the container gated in at Jebel Ali.

  4. Documents & sailing

    Export declaration filed, B/L draft approved by you, and the vessel sails. You receive the final B/L.

  5. Arrival & delivery

    Arrival notice issued, destination clearance coordinated and cargo released to the consignee.

Who it’s for

  • Importers and exporters moving palletised or cartoned goods
  • Traders re-exporting from Dubai to Africa and South Asia
  • Heavy or bulky cargo where air freight is uneconomical

Industries we often support with this service: General Trading Companies, Building Material Traders, Food & Beverage Traders, Metal Traders.

Sea Freight FAQs

When should I choose FCL instead of LCL?

As a rule of thumb, once your cargo is above roughly 13–15 cubic metres, a 20′ FCL is often cheaper per unit than LCL and avoids handling at consolidation warehouses. Share your volume and we will price both options so you can compare.

Which port do you ship from in Dubai?

Most of our ocean shipments move through Jebel Ali Port (AEJEA). We can also arrange shipments through other UAE ports such as Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah ports when the routing makes sense.

How long does sea freight from Dubai to India take?

Direct services from Jebel Ali to West India ports such as Nhava Sheva and Mundra typically take about 3–7 days port to port. Transit times vary by carrier and sailing, so we confirm the schedule at booking.

What documents do I need to export by sea from the UAE?

Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, and an exporter registered with UAE customs. Depending on the destination you may also need a certificate of origin or product-specific certificates. We check your documents before cut-off.

Tell us what you are shipping. We will reply with a clear, itemised quote.

Share origin, destination and cargo details. Our Dubai team answers on WhatsApp, phone and email.

Free freight quote

Request a Quote

Our Dubai team will call or WhatsApp you, usually the same working day.

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