UK ⇄ Europe · FCL sea freight · Bidirectional
FCL container shipping from the UK to Europe.
Full container load sea freight between the UK and Europe, exports, imports and bidirectional moves. We handle collection, post-Brexit customs at both ends, and delivery to your European destination.
Destinations we serve
European countries and ports
We ship FCL containers to all major European markets. Key destinations include:
- Germany: Hamburg, Bremen, Bremerhaven
- Netherlands: Rotterdam
- Belgium: Antwerp
- France: Le Havre, Marseille
- Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao
- Italy: Genoa, La Spezia, Naples (see Italy page)
- Poland: Gdansk, Gdynia
- Portugal: Lisbon, Leixões
- Greece: Piraeus, Thessaloniki
- Republic of Cyprus: Limassol
Don't see your port? Ask us, we work across all major European gateways through our worldwide agent network.
Export · Import · Bidirectional
UK ⇄ Europe: both directions
Shipping out of the UK
Manufactured goods, machinery, commercial cargo and household effects moving from the UK to European buyers and destinations. We handle UK export declarations, commodity codes and EU import customs at the receiving port, all through trusted partners.
Bringing goods into the UK
Sourcing from European suppliers or relocating to the UK? We arrange the European export documentation and manage UK import customs clearance at Felixstowe or Southampton, then deliver to your UK address.
Cross-trade shipments to and from Europe
Maya also arranges cross-trade FCL movements into and out of Europe where neither origin nor destination is the UK, for example, a container moving from Turkey to Germany managed entirely through our European agent network. If you need cargo moved between two non-UK countries in this region, get in touch.
Felixstowe / Southampton → European ports
Ports and transit times
UK ports: Felixstowe and Southampton, with collection from anywhere in the UK.
Transit times: Northern Europe (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp) 5–10 days. Mediterranean and southern Europe (Genoa, Barcelona, Limassol) 10–18 days. Exact timings confirmed at quote stage.
TRANSIT · 5–18 DAYS DEPENDING ON DESTINATION PORT
Post-Brexit export and import procedures
Customs for UK–Europe shipments
Since Brexit, UK goods entering the EU (and EU goods entering the UK) are treated as third-country trade. That means a UK export declaration, commodity codes, a commercial invoice and packing list on departure, plus EU import customs, duties and VAT at the receiving port.
We arrange and manage all customs documentation through trusted partners at both ends. Everything is prepared before the cargo ships, so your container isn't held up at the border. For more on how we handle the paperwork, see our customs clearance page.
You deal with one person throughout, the same contact from collection to delivery, with nowhere for something to slip between two desks.
Straight answers
UK–Europe shipping questions
Which European countries do you ship full containers to from the UK?
We ship FCL containers from the UK to all major European markets including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. Ask us about your specific destination and we'll confirm sailings and transit times.
How does post-Brexit customs work for UK to Europe shipments?
Post-Brexit, UK goods entering the EU require a UK export declaration and EU import customs clearance at the destination. We arrange and manage both through our trusted customs partners, commercial invoice, packing list, commodity codes and declarations are prepared before the cargo ships so your container keeps moving.
How long does sea freight from the UK to Europe take?
Transit times vary by destination. Northern European ports (Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp) are typically 5–10 days from Felixstowe or Southampton. Southern European and Mediterranean ports (Genoa, Barcelona, Limassol) typically take 10–18 days. We'll give you exact timings with your quote.
Do you ship import containers from Europe to the UK?
Yes. We work bidirectionally, both UK exports to Europe and European imports into the UK. Tell us your origin port and UK destination and we'll arrange the full door-to-door move including UK import customs.
24h turnaround · No obligation
Shipping to or from Europe?
Tell us your origin, destination and what you're sending. We'll come back with a tailored FCL quote within 24 hours on working days.
Already hold a quote from another forwarder? Send us this route and we’ll give you ours to compare.
Related: UK to Italy · Container shipping · Customs clearance · All routes