Ocean Freight · China → Germany
Ocean Freight from China to Germany
16 port combinations connect China and Germany in our network. The shortest, Shenzhen → Bremerhaven, is 10,038 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 24–39 days port to port.
- Distance
- 10,038 nm
- Transit
- 24–39 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in China, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in Germany.
- Origin
- China
- Destination
- Germany
- Distance
- from 10,038 nm (18,590 km)
- Estimated transit
- 24–39 days
- Routing via
- Suez Canal, Strait of Malacca, Strait of Gibraltar and Bab-el-Mandeb
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Bremerhaven | 10,038 nm | 24–35 days |
| Guangzhou | Bremerhaven | 10,048 nm | 24–35 days |
| Shenzhen | Hamburg | 10,084 nm | 25–35 days |
| Guangzhou | Hamburg | 10,095 nm | 25–35 days |
| Xiamen | Bremerhaven | 10,246 nm | 25–36 days |
| Xiamen | Hamburg | 10,292 nm | 25–36 days |
| Ningbo | Bremerhaven | 10,677 nm | 26–37 days |
| Ningbo | Hamburg | 10,723 nm | 26–37 days |
| Shanghai | Bremerhaven | 10,737 nm | 26–37 days |
| Shanghai | Hamburg | 10,783 nm | 26–37 days |
| Qingdao | Bremerhaven | 11,060 nm | 27–38 days |
| Qingdao | Hamburg | 11,106 nm | 27–38 days |
| Dalian | Bremerhaven | 11,203 nm | 27–38 days |
| Dalian | Hamburg | 11,249 nm | 27–39 days |
| Tianjin | Bremerhaven | 11,351 nm | 28–39 days |
| Tianjin | Hamburg | 11,397 nm | 28–39 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from China.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in China.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing China → Germany: about 24–39 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in Germany, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into Germany
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- EORI number of the importer
- ICS2 entry summary declaration (ENS)
- Import customs declaration in the EU member state
- Proof of origin under the EU–Mexico agreement when applicable
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from China to Germany take?+
Estimated transit is 24–39 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is China from Germany?+
The shortest pair is 10,038 nm (18,590 km) by sea via the Suez Canal, Strait of Malacca, Strait of Gibraltar and Bab-el-Mandeb.
How much does ocean freight from China to Germany cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into Germany?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); EORI number of the importer; ICS2 entry summary declaration (ENS).
From China to other destinations in Germany
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.