Services · 03 · Ocean Freight

Ocean freight without the guesswork

FCL, LCL, project cargo, RoRo, break-bulk, bulk, and charter solutions — planned, documented, and managed from origin to destination.

Container vessel underway at sea viewed from the bridge wing FCL / LCL · B/L
Modes

Six ways to move cargo by sea

Port-to-port or door-to-door, import or export — Emerald plans the shipment, coordinates carriers, supervises loading and discharge when applicable, and handles documentation and customs.

FCL Full Container Load A dedicated container for your cargo alone — predictable handling and capacity for regular or high-volume flows.
LCL Less than Container Load Smaller shipments share a container and pay only for the space used — see our Consolidation & LCL service.
BB Break-bulk Cargo that can't fit standard containers, lifted and stowed piece by piece with the right gear and planning.
RORO Roll-on / Roll-off Vehicles and self-propelled or towable equipment drive on and off specialized vessels.
BULK Bulk shipping Loose dry cargo — grain, fertilizer, steel, timber, and similar commodities — loaded directly into the hold.
CHTR Vessel charter Dedicated vessel capacity for oversized, overweight, project, and out-of-gauge cargo.
requiresVerification: true — DO NOT PUBLISH WITHOUT WRITTEN CLIENT APPROVAL
NVOCC status.
Direct contracts with major carriers.
Fixed-space agreements.
Largest ocean forwarder from Egypt to the United States by volume.

Who it's for

Importers and exporters moving regular containerized volumes
Commodity traders shipping bulk or break-bulk cargo
Vehicle and equipment shippers using RoRo services
Project teams with out-of-gauge or charter-scale cargo

Key benefits

The right mode recommended for each shipment, not a default
Carrier coordination and shipment planning handled for you
Loading and discharge supervision where applicable
Documentation and customs coordinated with the freight

Ocean freight — common questions

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL gives you a dedicated container; LCL shares container space among several shippers, each paying for the space used. FCL suits larger volumes and single-shipper control; LCL suits smaller, regular shipments. We compare both in your quotation where relevant.

What cargo can move by RoRo?

Anything that rolls: cars, trucks, buses, trailers, agricultural and construction machinery, and towable equipment. Non-rolling cargo can sometimes move on roll trailers, subject to vessel and route.

Can Emerald manage oversized or project cargo?

Yes — out-of-gauge and project cargo is planned case by case: lifting requirements, vessel selection or charter, port capability, inland legs, and permits are assessed before quoting.

How long will my shipment take?

Ocean transit depends on route, carrier schedule, transshipments, port congestion, customs, and market conditions. Every quotation includes an estimated schedule, and we update you on milestones as the shipment moves.

Related services

Consolidation & LCL Customs Brokerage Inland Transportation

Planning an ocean shipment?

Tell us the cargo and route — we'll recommend the mode and quote it clearly.

Request an Ocean Quote