Seefracht

Seefracht, or sea freight, is the transportation of goods by sea. It is a cornerstone of international trade, especially for bulky, heavy, or low-value cargo, offering the lowest cost per ton among major transport modes.

Most sea freight today is containerized. The two main forms are full container load (FCL) and less-than-container-load (LCL). Larger items may be shipped breakbulk or on roll-on/roll-off vessels. Shipments are booked with carriers or freight forwarders, consolidated at origin, loaded onto ships, and discharged at the destination port for customs clearance and final delivery.

Key documentation includes the bill of lading, which serves as a receipt and title, the commercial invoice, packing list, and origin certificates. Incoterms define responsibilities and costs between seller and buyer, while regulatory regimes such as SOLAS (VGM requirement for container weight) and IMDG Code (dangerous goods) govern safety and handling.

Roles involved include shippers, ocean carriers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and customs brokers. Risks include delays from weather, port congestion, and regulatory changes, as well as loss or damage in transit. Insurance commonly covers marine cargo under Institute Cargo Clauses.

Costs depend on freight rates, surcharges, insurance, and port handling. While slower than air freight, seafreight remains the preferred option for large-volume shipments and global supply chains.