Sea Freight

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa delivers end-to-end sea freight services covering containerised, bulk, project, break-bulk, and groupage (LCL) cargo across major global trade routes. Leveraging strong partnerships with leading ocean carriers, our own chartering and terminal operations, and an extensive African port network, we secure competitive rates and reliable vessel space — even in capacity-constrained markets. Each shipment is overseen by a dedicated controller, ensuring full visibility and compliance from booking to final delivery.

Looking for dependable, cost-efficient sea freight logistics? Speak to our team for a tailored quote today.

Key Benefits

What is Sea Freight Logistics?

Sea freight logistics refers to the transportation and management of goods shipped across international waters using ocean vessels. It involves the coordination of containerised, bulk, break-bulk, and groupage (LCL) cargo from origin to destination, supported by services such as packing, loading, documentation, and delivery.

For South African importers and exporters, sea freight remains the backbone of international trade, connecting major ports like Durban, Cape Town, and Richards Bay to key global routes across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa streamlines this process through end-to-end sea freight services, ensuring cost-efficient, compliant, and reliable cargo movement across every ocean route.

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s Sea Freight Services

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa delivers fully integrated sea freight services that combine international reach with local expertise. Backed by a global network, advanced tracking systems, and port-side infrastructure, we provide end-to-end visibility and compliance for every shipment. As one of South Africa’s most trusted sea freight shipping companies, we handle containerised, bulk, break-bulk, and groupage (LCL) cargo, ensuring reliable, cost-efficient shipping via sea freight across major global trade routes.

Compliance, Accreditations & Certifications

All C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s sea freight logistics operations comply with strict international compliance standards, ensuring every shipment meets global trade, maritime, and customs requirements. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and operate as an approved Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) — a key credential that allows us to manage groupage (LCL) cargo in-house with full accountability.

Our globally recognised credentials and certifications demonstrate our commitment to safe, transparent, and efficient sea transportation, giving importers and exporters the confidence that their cargo is handled according to the highest international benchmarks.

Credentials and Certifications:

Full Container Load (FCL) Services

We negotiate directly with leading sea transportation carriers to secure competitive FCL sea freight rates and guaranteed vessel space, even in peak seasons. Our teams coordinate every stage — from booking and container packing to customs clearance and final delivery — optimising each route for transit time, cost efficiency, and compliance with international standards.

Less than Container Load (LCL) and Groupage

As a registered Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC), C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa manages LCL (groupage) cargo in-house, without third-party outsourcing. This enables consistent service quality, lower sea freight costs, weekly sailing schedules, and faster delivery. Customers pay only for the space used, and containers are unpacked securely at our bonded facilities for safe, compliant handling.

Break-Bulk and Project Cargo

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa specialises in ocean transportation for oversized, heavy, or non-containerised freight. Our break-bulk and project cargo teams oversee lifting, stowage, and discharge operations using port-certified equipment and vetted carrier partners. Every project is carefully planned to ensure safe, precise, and on-schedule delivery — whether it’s industrial machinery, steel structures, or mining equipment.

Bulk Cargo Transport

Our experts manage both dry and liquid bulk cargo shipments via sea freight, including commodities such as coal, iron ore, fertilisers, grains, cement, sugar, and liquid chemicals. We coordinate every aspect of the operation, from vessel chartering and stowage planning to loading supervision, draft surveys, and discharge coordination, to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-controlled cargo movement.

Using advanced port logistics systems and real-time tracking, we maintain full transparency at every stage. All shipments are handled in compliance with strict safety, quality, and environmental standards, ensuring reliable and sustainable bulk sea transportation across all major trade routes.

Stevedoring / Terminal Operations

At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, we coordinate stevedoring and terminal operations for both liner and charter vessels worldwide. Cargo can be loaded or discharged either through our own facilities or in collaboration with trusted local port operators and authorities.

We operate dedicated C. Steinweg terminals in major global ports such as Antwerp, Baltimore, Genoa, Hamburg, Moerdijk, Rotterdam, Sohar, and Trieste, where we maintain our own berths and warehouses offering both covered and open-air storage.

Our highly trained stevedoring teams handle multipurpose, break-bulk, and bulk vessels using specialised lifting, stowage, and discharge equipment to ensure safe, fast, and professional operations. This hands-on control across key port terminals enhances turnaround times, reduces cargo risk, and provides clients with an end-to-end service unmatched by most sea freight shipping companies.

Chartering and Special Cargo Handling

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa offers a comprehensive chartering service for specialised and oversized cargo, ensuring flexibility where standard container services aren’t sufficient. 

We maintain direct contact with vessel owners to negotiate competitive rates, combine cargoes to optimise costs, and secure vessel space quickly — even in high-demand markets.

Our chartering capabilities cover:

Every charter movement is overseen by a dedicated controller from booking to delivery, ensuring compliance, accurate documentation, and efficient coordination with all stakeholders. Whether you require bulk chartering, abnormal cargo handling, or time-sensitive sea transportation, our team ensures a safe, efficient, and fully compliant operation from start to finish.

Integrated Global Network

Through the worldwide C. Steinweg Group network, C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa connects key regional and global trade corridors with seamless coordination across continents. 

Our sea freight services link major South African ports — Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay, and Gqeberha — with strategic gateways throughout Africa, including Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Beira, Maputo, and Nacala (Mozambique), and Walvis Bay (Namibia).

This extensive African footprint integrates directly with our international offices and partner depots across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, enabling truly end-to-end visibility and control. 

Supported by trusted carrier relationships and standardised processes across all locations, we deliver consistent, compliant, and efficient sea freight logistics from origin to final destination — wherever your business operates.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Our strategically located, port-adjacent warehouses and bonded facilities enable efficient unpacking, storage, and consolidation. Integrated digital systems link directly with port authority software for seamless documentation, real-time tracking, and transparent cargo management — ensuring our clients maintain full visibility at every stage of their sea freight logistics journey.

Customs and Documentation Expertise

At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, we provide comprehensive support for all sea freight documentation and customs clearance requirements. Our in-house clearance specialists manage import and export documentation (including bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin) ensuring every shipment complies with international trade regulations.

Through digital integration with South African Revenue Service (SARS) and port authority systems, we streamline pre-clearance and verification processes to minimise delays and reduce administrative burdens. Our deep understanding of customs procedures, tariff classifications, and regulatory compliance standards enables faster turnaround, full transparency, and seamless cargo movement across ports and borders.

Integrated Freight Operations

C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa delivers fully integrated freight operations that connect sea, road, rail, and air transport into one seamless logistics solution. By combining sea freight services with our in-house customs clearance, warehousing, and distribution capabilities, we eliminate hand-offs and reduce transit delays.

Whether cargo is discharged at Durban, Cape Town, or Richards Bay and transferred inland by rail or road, we coordinate the entire process under a single management structure.

This integrated approach ensures greater efficiency, compliance, and cost control, giving our clients a clear competitive advantage through end-to-end sea transportation solutions tailored to their supply chain needs.

Industry Expertise

With more than three decades of experience, C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa provides specialised sea freight logistics solutions across core industries such as steel, mining, agriculture, chemicals, and manufacturing. We understand the unique requirements of each sector, from handling bulk raw materials and high-density metals to managing temperature-sensitive or hazardous cargo.

Our operations adhere to IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and other international transport regulations, ensuring compliant, safe, and efficient handling of all cargo types, including containerised, break-bulk, project, and groupage (LCL) shipments. 

Through deep industry knowledge, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence, we ensure every client’s cargo reaches its destination safely, on time, and in full compliance with global maritime standards.

Related Services: How Sea Freight Logistics Fit Into Your Supply Chain

Sea freight logistics is a core component of C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa’s end-to-end transport and trade management solutions. By integrating sea freight with our road, rail, and air freight, as well as customs clearance, warehousing, and cargo handling, we provide a seamless flow of goods from port to final delivery. This unified approach ensures reduced transit times, lower costs, and complete visibility across your entire supply chain.

Why Partner with C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa?

With more than 30 years of trade expertise and a strong global footprint, C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa deliver trust, visibility, and performance. Our clients partner with us for logistics solutions that are precise, compliant, and built for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a sea freight operator do?

A sea freight operator manages the end-to-end movement of cargo by ocean, including booking vessel space, handling documentation, coordinating customs clearance, and ensuring safe delivery. At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, we oversee every step to guarantee efficiency, compliance, and full shipment visibility.

How long does sea freight take?

Delivery times depend on several factors, including route distance, cargo type, port efficiency, and customs clearance. At C. Steinweg Logistics South Africa, we optimise routing, documentation, and carrier scheduling to ensure your cargo reaches its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?

FCL (Full Container Load) refers to shipments where one shipper uses an entire container, while LCL (Less than Container Load) combines multiple consignments in a shared container. As a registered NVOCC, we manage both options in-house to offer flexibility, cost efficiency, and reliable sea freight logistics.

How much does sea freight cost?

Sea freight costs vary based on factors such as cargo size, weight, origin and destination ports, and whether it’s shipped as FCL or LCL. For an accurate, tailored rate, please request a personalised quote.

What documentation is required for sea freight shipments?

Essential documents include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Some cargo types may require additional permits or declarations. Our in-house clearance experts ensure all documentation meets international trade and compliance standards for smooth clearance and delivery.