Ocean Freight to Ireland

Shipping to Ireland by sea is an efficient solution for businesses moving regular or large volumes of goods across Europe and the Atlantic. Ireland's strong port network, access to both EU and global trade routes, and growing logistics infrastructure make it a strategic destination for exporters. With the right planning, shippers can secure competitive rates, transparent timelines, and reliable containerised services for both FCL and LCL shipments.

Why Ship to Ireland with iContainers?

Ireland is one of Europe's most open economies and a critical logistics hub for trade into the EU and the UK. Its ports-especially Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes-offer frequent sailings, modern facilities, and well-integrated inland distribution networks.

iContainers provides digital tools and expert support to help shippers compare options, plan routes, manage documentation, and optimise costs when shipping to Ireland. Whether you are shipping goods for manufacturing, retail, pharma, or e-commerce distribution, the platform helps ensure smooth logistics execution.

Reliable Door-to-Door & Port-to-Port Options

• Flexible service levels for warehouse-to-warehouse, door-to-port, or port-to-port journeys
• Coordinated pick-up and delivery through established local logistics partners
• Real-time tracking visibility from origin to Irish arrival terminals
• Proactive communication at key milestones throughout the shipping journey

These options allow businesses to tailor the service based on budget, security needs, and delivery timelines.

Competitive Freight Rates from Major Origins

With access to multiple global carriers and frequent sailings, shippers can access competitive pricing from regions such as:

• North America (U.S. East Coast, Gulf, Canada)
• Europe (Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany)
• Asia (China, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea)

The rate comparison tools allow exporters to evaluate transit time, sailing frequency, surcharges, and equipment availability before confirming a booking.

Expertise in Ireland Trade Routes

iContainers' logistics specialists provide guidance on:

• Best carriers and service types for your trade lane
• How to avoid congestion periods at key Irish ports
• Local customs rules, documentation requirements, and VAT considerations
• Common challenges shipping into Ireland (weather-related delays, peak season surcharges, etc.)

This support helps eliminate unnecessary costs and reduce risk of delays.

Ocean Freight Services to Ireland

Ocean freight services are available for small, medium, and high-volume shippers sending goods to Ireland. You can choose between FCL, LCL, or special container equipment depending on your cargo type.

FCL Shipping to Ireland

Full Container Load shipping is ideal if you:

• Have enough cargo to fill a 20' or 40' container
• Want increased security and minimised consolidation risks
• Need predictable sailing schedules
• Prefer exclusive use of the container for operational control

Common equipment includes 20', 40', 40' High Cube, and special units such as refrigerated or open-top containers.

LCL Shipping to Ireland

Less than Container Load is optimal for smaller shipments:

• Pay only for the space your cargo occupies
• Ideal for first-time exports or market testing
• Allows flexible shipment frequency without committing to full containers
• Consolidation lowers cost for small and medium businesses

LCL is widely used for consumer goods, electronics, and e-commerce shipments entering Irish distribution networks.

Shipping Costs to Ireland

Shipping costs depend on several transport, cargo, and seasonal variables. Rates fluctuate based on market demand, port conditions, and carrier availability.

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Key cost drivers include:

• Origin port & routing: direct sailings vs transshipment through UK, Netherlands, or France
• Container type: 20', 40', HC, reefer, or special equipment
• Weight & volume: heavier or oversized goods incur additional fees
• Local charges: Irish terminal handling, customs fees, and inland trucking
• Fuel & seasonal surcharges: BAF, PSS, congestion charges depending on time of year

Using digital quoting tools helps you understand how each factor affects the final shipping price.

Transit Times to Ireland

Transit times vary depending on the origin region, carrier schedules, and transshipment hubs.

Average Transit Times from the U.S

Typical transit ranges:

• U.S. East Coast → Ireland: 10-20 days
• U.S. Gulf → Ireland: 15-25 days
• U.S. West Coast → Ireland (via transshipment): 25-40+ days

Routing may pass through ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, or Liverpool before arrival into Ireland.

Transit Times from Europe & Asia

• Continental Europe → Ireland: 2-10 days depending on service
• Mediterranean → Ireland: 10-20 days
• Asia (China, Vietnam, South Korea) → Ireland: 25-45 days

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Weather patterns in the North Atlantic
• Congestion at Dublin Port
• Transshipment availability at EU hubs
• Accuracy of customs documentation
• Peak season demand fluctuations

Proper planning and documentation can reduce delays significantly.

Main Ports in Ireland

Ireland has a strong network of seaports supporting both containerised and Ro-Ro cargo.

Port of Dublin

Ireland's largest and busiest port, handling more than half of the country's containerised trade. Features include:

• Modern container terminals
• Frequent European short-sea services
• Direct deep-sea connections via EU hubs
• Strong road connections to major Irish cities

Port of Cork

A major deep-water port serving southern Ireland, known for:

• Growing container capacity
• Direct routes to continental Europe
• Expanding logistics zones near Ringaskiddy terminal

Shannon Foynes Port

Located on the west coast, it serves bulk, project cargo, and some container flows:

• Deep-water access
• Strategic gateway for Atlantic routes
• Close proximity to industrial zones in Limerick and Shannon

Which Port Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on:

• Final inland delivery location
• Carrier availability from the origin
• Transit time and rate competitiveness

Dublin is ideal for most consumer imports; Cork is strong for southern distribution; Shannon Foynes suits bulk or industrial cargo.

How to Book Your Shipment to Ireland

Required Documents

Common documentation includes:

• Commercial invoice & packing list
• Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill
• Certificates of origin (if required for duty relief)
• Licenses for restricted goods (pharma, chemicals, food items)
• Customs import declaration forms

Customs & Regulations Overview

To avoid delays in Ireland:

• Ensure HS codes and values match across all documents
• Check whether cargo requires special declarations (sanitary, phytosanitary, hazardous goods)
• Verify VAT and duty requirements based on commodity type
• Coordinate early with customs brokers for Irish Revenue compliance

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Enter origin, destination, and cargo details to generate a quote.
• Compare carriers based on transit time, frequency, and total cost.
• Select FCL or LCL service and confirm booking terms.
• Upload required documentation and schedule pick-up.
• Track shipment through the online platform until delivery in Ireland.