If you’re planning to move goods, vehicles, or commercial cargo from the UK to West Africa. You must need an understanding of sea freight rates from the UK to West Africa, which is essential. From container shipping costs to customs duties and transit time, every detail affects your final price.
With over 15 years of international shipping industry experience, Ascope Shipping helps individuals and businesses ship efficiently from the UK to countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal (without hidden surprises).
What Are Sea Freight Rates from the UK to West Africa?
Sea freight rates refer to the total cost of transporting goods by sea from the UK to West African ports such as Lagos, Tema, or Abidjan.
These rates typically include:
- Container shipping charges (FCL or LCL)
- Port charges UK to West Africa
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Fuel and handling fees
Sea Freight Rates from UK to West Africa (2026 Cost Guide)
Sea freight rates from the UK to West Africa vary depending on container size, cargo volume, destination port, and market conditions. Below is an estimated cost guide to help you plan your shipment more effectively.
| Destination Country | Major Port | 20ft Container (FCL) | 40ft Container (FCL) | LCL (Per CBM) |
| UK to Nigeria | Lagos | £2,100 – £3,000 | £3,000 – £4,500 | £85 – £150 |
| UK to Ghana | Tema | £1,800 – £2,800 | £2,800 – £4,000 | £80 – £140 |
| UK to Ivory Coast | Abidjan | £1,700 – £2,900 | £2,900 – £4,200 | £85 – £145 |
| UK to Senegal | Dakar | £1,700 – £2,800 | £2,800 – £4,800 | £90 – £155 |
| UK to Sierra Leone | Freetown | £2,100 – £3,500 | £3,500 – £5,200 | £95 – £160 |
| UK to Guinea | Conakry | £2,100 – £3,000 | £3,000 – £4,500 | £100 – £165 |
| UK to Gambia | Banjul | £2,100 – £3,000 | £3,100 – £5,000 | £90 – £155 |
| UK to Liberia | Monrovia | £2,100 – £3,200 | £3,500 – £4,800 | £100 – £170 |
UK to Nigeria Shipping Cost
Shipping to Lagos is one of the most common routes. Costs are slightly higher due to port congestion and demand.
UK to Ghana Shipping Cost
Shipping to Tema or Accra is often more stable and sometimes cheaper compared to Nigeria.
What Affects Sea Freight Rates?
Several factors influence your final shipping price:
Cargo Volume and Weight
Shipping costs are based on cubic metres (CBM) or container size. Larger cargo means higher cost.
Shipping Method (FCL vs LCL)
Choosing between full container load or shared container impacts pricing significantly.
Shipping Routes
Direct routes offer faster delivery but typically come at a higher cost, while indirect routes are more economical but may take longer to reach their destination.
Port Charges and Duties
Each West African country has different import duty and customs duty structures.
Fuel and Seasonal Demand
Peak seasons can increase logistics cost due to high demand.
FCL vs LCL Shipping: Which Is Better?
FCL (Full Container Load)
- Best for large shipments with higher volume
- Fixed cost per container, easier to budget
- Faster transit times with fewer handling risks
- More secure, as goods stay in one container
LCL (Less than Container Load)
- Ideal for small shipments or lower volumes
- Pay per cubic metre, cost-effective for less cargo
- Slightly longer transit time due to consolidation
- Flexible option for businesses shipping smaller loads
Car Shipping UK to West Africa
Shipping vehicles from the UK to West Africa is very common, especially to Nigeria and Ghana. At Ascope Shipping, we provide trusted car shipping UK to Africa with full support, including documentation and customs clearance. Available options include:
Options Available:
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) – cheapest method
- Container shipping – safer, ideal for high-value cars
At Ascope Shipping, we provide trusted car shipping UK to Africa with full support, including documentation and customs clearance.
Sea Freight Transit Time from UK to West Africa
Sea freight transit time from the UK to West Africa depends on the destination port, shipping route (direct or transshipment), and seasonal factors such as port congestion.
| Destination Country | Major Port | Transit Time (FCL) | Transit Time (LCL) | Service Type |
| UK to Nigeria | Lagos | 18–28 days | 22–32 days | Direct / Transshipment |
| UK to Ghana | Tema | 16–24 days | 20–28 days | Direct |
| UK to Ivory Coast | Abidjan | 18–26 days | 22–30 days | Direct / Transshipment |
| UK to Senegal | Dakar | 20–30 days | 24–34 days | Transshipment |
| UK to Sierra Leone | Freetown | 22–32 days | 26–36 days | Transshipment |
| UK to Guinea | Conakry | 22–34 days | 26–38 days | Transshipment |
| UK to Gambia | Banjul | 20–30 days | 24–34 days | Transshipment |
| UK to Liberia | Monrovia | 24–35 days | 28–40 days | Transshipment |
Sea Freight Process Step by Step
Here’s how to ship goods to West Africa from the UK:
Booking
Request a quote and confirm your shipment.
Packing and Collection
Prepare your cargo securely.
Export Documentation
Includes bill of lading, invoices, and export paperwork.
Shipping
Cargo is loaded and transported via sea routes.
Customs Clearance
Handled at destination port.
Delivery
Choose door-to-port or port-to-port shipping UK to Africa.
Documents Are Required For Sea Freight
To ship goods, you’ll need:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Export documentation
- Import permits (if required)
Hidden Fees in Shipping (Important)
Many people overlook hidden charges when calculating sea freight rates.
Common Hidden Charges:
- Port handling fees
- Customs inspection fees
- Storage charges
- Demurrage fees
- Documentation charges
How to Reduce Shipping Cost UK to West Africa
Here are expert tips:
- Choose LCL for small shipments
- Ship during off-peak seasons
- Optimise cargo volume
- Compare multiple quotes
- Use reliable sea freight services
Cheapest Way to Ship Goods from UK to West Africa
The most cost-effective methods include:
- LCL shipping for smaller loads
- RoRo for vehicles
- Flexible shipping schedules
- Shared containers
Common Mistakes When Shipping to West Africa
Avoid these:
- Incorrect documentation
- Underestimating import duty
- Choosing unreliable shipping companies
- Ignoring hidden charges
- Poor packaging
Best Time to Ship Container UK to Africa
Shipping costs are lower during:
- Off-peak seasons
- Non-holiday periods
- Low-demand months
Why Choose Ascope Shipping?
With over 15 years of experience, Ascope Shipping delivers reliable sea freight services you can trust. We provide competitive shipping rates with transparent pricing, ensuring there are no hidden fees at any stage. Our team offers expert support for customs clearance, helping you avoid delays and complications. Combined with flexible shipping solutions tailored to your needs, we make international freight simple, efficient, and cost-effective.
Get a Shipping Quote UK to West Africa
Understanding sea freight rates from the UK to West Africa helps you plan smarter, avoid hidden costs, and choose the best shipping method. Whether you’re shipping household goods, commercial cargo, or vehicles, Ascope Shipping offers expert guidance to reduce costs, avoid delays, and ensure safe delivery. Contact us today by calling 01482 228366 or emailing sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk to get a shipping quote UK to West Africa and book with confidence.
FAQs – Sea Freight
How much are sea freight rates from the UK to West Africa?
Sea freight rates typically range from £80 to £150 per cubic metre for LCL shipments, while full containers cost between £2,000 and £6,000 depending on size and destination. Prices vary based on cargo volume, route, and additional charges like customs duty and port fees.
How do I calculate sea freight costs from the UK to Africa?
To calculate sea freight costs, consider cargo volume (CBM), shipping method (FCL or LCL), destination port, and additional charges such as customs clearance, port fees, and documentation. Requesting a detailed quote from a reliable shipping company ensures accurate pricing.
What affects sea freight rates from the UK to West Africa?
Sea freight rates depend on several factors including cargo size, container type, shipping route, fuel costs, seasonal demand, and port charges. Customs duties and import regulations in West African countries also significantly impact the final shipping cost.
Are there hidden charges in sea freight shipping?
Yes, hidden charges may include port handling fees, storage charges, customs inspection fees, and demurrage costs. Always request a full cost breakdown from your shipping company to avoid unexpected expenses.
What is the cheapest way to ship goods from the UK to Africa?
The cheapest way is usually LCL shipping for smaller loads or RoRo for vehicles. Costs can be reduced by flexible shipping dates, optimised cargo volume, and choosing the most efficient shipping routes.
How can I reduce shipping costs to West Africa?
You can reduce costs by consolidating cargo, choosing LCL for smaller shipments, avoiding peak seasons, and comparing multiple shipping quotes. Working with experienced logistics providers also helps minimise unnecessary expenses.
What are port charges and customs duties in West Africa?
Port charges include handling, unloading, and storage fees at the destination port, while customs duties are taxes imposed by the importing country. These costs vary by country and must be factored into your total shipping budget.
