FCL · LCL · Break-Bulk · ODC · Reefer

Sea Freight

Cost-effective ocean freight from Chennai, Tuticorin and all major Indian ports to 100+ countries — fully integrated with ISLF's AEO certified customs clearance.

Ocean Freight Services

Every Shipment Type Covered

Whether you ship a few pallets or an entire vessel, ISLF has the experience and shipping line relationships to move your cargo competitively and compliantly.

FCL — Full Container Load

Book an entire 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your cargo. Best for shipments above 12–15 CBM — faster transit, no cargo co-mingling, lower handling risk.

  • 20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC, 45ft containers
  • Direct port-to-port or door-to-door
  • Flat rack & open-top for ODC/project cargo
  • Reefer containers for temperature-sensitive goods

LCL — Less than Container Load

Share container space with other shippers — ideal for consignments under 12 CBM. ISLF consolidates your cargo at our CFS to save you the cost of an entire box.

  • Competitive groupage rates
  • CFS consolidation & deconsolidation
  • Weekly sailings on major trade lanes
  • Cargo insurance facilitation

Break-Bulk & ODC

For cargo that cannot be containerised — over-dimensional, heavy-lift or project cargo requiring flat racks, open tops, special vessels or chartered tonnage.

  • Over-dimensional cargo (ODC) permits
  • Heavy lift up to several hundred tonnes
  • Project cargo planning & lashing
  • Vessel chartering for large project lots

Refrigerated (Reefer)

Temperature-controlled ocean freight for perishables, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other cargo requiring a controlled environment throughout transit.

  • Reefer container booking & monitoring
  • Cold chain continuity from factory to destination
  • Pre-trip inspection & temperature setting
  • Pharma GDP compliant routing options

Port Coverage

Indian Port Network

Chennai (Kamarajar / Ennore Port)

Primary hub — direct ISLF office

Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port)

Direct ISLF office

JNPT (Nhava Sheva)

India's largest container port

Mundra Port

Western India gateway

Cochin Port

Kerala & South India

Krishnapatnam

Andhra Pradesh

Common Questions

Ocean Freight FAQ

What is the difference between FCL and LCL sea freight?

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book the entire container — best for large shipments above ~12 CBM, offering faster transit and no handling of goods with other consignments. LCL (Less than Container Load) consolidates your cargo with other shippers — cost-effective for smaller volumes but with slightly longer transit due to consolidation and deconsolidation.

Which ports does ISLF handle sea freight from?

ISLF handles ocean freight from Chennai (Kamarajar/Ennore), Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar), JNPT (Nhava Sheva), Mundra, Cochin and other major Indian ports — with direct offices at Chennai and Tuticorin providing the deepest local expertise.

Does ISLF handle refrigerated (reefer) container shipments?

Yes. ISLF arranges reefer container shipments for perishables, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and any cargo requiring controlled temperature environments — with pre-trip inspection, temperature setting and cold chain monitoring throughout transit.

How long does ocean freight from India to major destinations take?

Typical transit times from Indian ports: Europe 18–28 days, USA East Coast 20–30 days, Middle East 8–14 days, Southeast Asia 10–18 days, Australia 12–22 days. Transit times vary by origin port, carrier and routing.

Get an Ocean Freight Quote

Share your cargo details — commodity, weight, CBM, origin and destination. We will send a competitive FCL or LCL rate within 24 hours.