Ocean Freight Europe
LOGISTICS SUPPORT
Andres
Freight Forwarding Specialist
OCEAN FREIGHT SOLUTIONS
Ocean Freight Europe Worldwide Origins & Destinations
Ocean freight to Europe covers some of the world’s busiest trade lanes, and GreenLine Global manages every step – from origin collection to delivery inside Europe. We handle FCL and LCL shipments, RoRo transport for vehicles and machinery, and project cargo for out-of-gauge freight. All inbound European shipments require ENS filing and ICS2 compliance before vessel departure – our team handles all pre-arrival declarations as standard. We also manage ocean freight from Europe to Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, making us a single partner for both directions of your European trade lane.
GreenLine has operated European ocean freight corridors since 2008, with a European hub in Tallinn, Estonia and established carrier relationships at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Felixstowe, and Gdansk. Every quote is transparent and itemised – no hidden port fees or destination charges. We are FMC-licensed and a member of the Worldwide Partners Network. For EU customs clearance, our team files import declarations and coordinates duty payment at the port of entry, so your cargo moves without delays.
How it works
Your Shipment to Europe - From Quote to Delivery
GreenLine manages the full shipping chain for ocean freight to Europe. Every shipment follows a structured process that covers origin collection, carrier booking, ENS and ICS2 pre-arrival filing, EU customs clearance, and final delivery - handled by one team from start to finish.
Quote, Route & Booking
Tell us your cargo details, origin, and European destination. We return an itemised quote within 24 hours covering ocean freight, origin handling, destination port costs, and delivery. We confirm the best FCL, LCL, or RoRo option for your cargo and volume.
Collection, Packing & Documentation
We organise origin pickup, container stuffing, and all export documentation - Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Origin. For EU-bound shipments, we prepare and submit the ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) under ICS2 before vessel departure.
Transit & Real-Time Tracking
Your cargo moves on established transatlantic, transpacific, and Baltic-North Sea corridors with major ocean carriers. Live tracking is available throughout transit. We monitor vessel ETA and proactively alert you to any delays - no chasing required.
European Customs Clearance & Door-to-Door Delivery
On arrival at the European port, GreenLine coordinates import declaration filing with the relevant EU Member State customs authority - including Rotterdam Customs (Douane), Hamburg Zoll, and Belgian TAXUD. We calculate and manage EU import duties and VAT, arrange port release, and deliver to any address in Europe via our road freight network.
Our ocean freight services to Europe
Ocean Freight to Europe - Every Mode, Every Cargo Type
No two European shipments are identical. Cargo volume, type, timeline, and destination port all determine the right service. GreenLine selects the most cost-effective and compliant mode for each shipment.
Full Container Load
Your cargo fills a 20ft or 40ft container exclusively. Best for volumes over 15 CBM or for cargo requiring isolation. GreenLine books FCL on all major Europe-bound trade lanes and provides a single Bill of Lading for the full container.
Less than Container Load
Cost-effective for shipments under 15 CBM. Your goods are consolidated with other cargo into a shared container at origin and deconsolidated at a European Container Freight Station (CFS) before onward delivery. GreenLine manages all consolidation logistics and individual House Bills of Lading.
Roll-on / Roll-off Shipping
The preferred mode for vehicles, heavy machinery, and wheeled equipment. RoRo services operate to ports including Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, and Zeebrugge. GreenLine handles all documentation including the Ocean Bill of Lading, CE conformity requirements, and EU type-approval where applicable.
Project & Out-of-Gauge Cargo
For cargo that does not fit standard containers - oversized industrial equipment, turbines, steel structures. GreenLine plans flat rack, open-top, and breakbulk solutions to Europe with full route surveys, special permits, and heavy-lift coordination at European ports. See our project cargo service.
Reefer & Temperature-Controlled
Perishable cargo, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs require ISO reefer containers with continuous temperature monitoring. GreenLine manages pre-cooling, temperature log verification, and compliance with EU food safety and HACCP import rules at destination ports.
Dangerous Goods (IMDG)
GreenLine ships IMDG-classified cargo to Europe - including chemicals, batteries, and industrial gases. Our team prepares the dangerous goods declaration, selects approved carriers, and ensures compliance with European ADR/IMDG port entry rules at Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg.
European port operations, customs & delivery
From European Port to Your Door - Complete Arrival Handling
Primary European ports of entry
Major European Gateway Ports
GreenLine has established agent coverage at Europe's largest container ports. Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium) handle the largest European volumes. Hamburg and Bremerhaven serve Germany and Central Europe. Felixstowe and Southampton cover the UK. Gdansk is the primary Baltic gateway for Poland and Eastern Europe. We select the optimal discharge port for your delivery destination.
EU customs clearance
Import Declaration & Duty Management
All goods entering the EU require a Single Administrative Document (SAD) import declaration filed with the national customs authority at the port of discharge. GreenLine handles HS code verification, EU Common Customs Tariff duty classification, VAT filing, and release coordination. Where applicable, we apply preferential duty rates under EU Free Trade Agreements to reduce your landed cost.
Last-mile delivery across Europe
Door-to-Door Delivery Across All 27 EU States
After port release, GreenLine coordinates onward delivery via our road freight Europe network. We deliver to any European address - whether a distribution centre in Germany, a manufacturing facility in Poland, or a retail warehouse in Spain. For large-volume clients, we also offer 3PL warehousing close to major European ports.
Compliance & import rules
Requirements for Shipping Cargo to Europe by Ocean
European import compliance is governed by EU customs law, national port authority rules, and sector-specific product regulations. Non-compliance delays are among the most common causes of cargo holds at European ports. GreenLine manages all pre-shipment compliance checks on your behalf.
ENS Filing & ICS2
The Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) must be submitted to EU customs under the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) at least 24 hours before vessel arrival. Filing must include accurate HS codes, shipper and consignee data, and cargo description. GreenLine submits all ENS filings as part of the standard service - no separate arrangement required.
CE Marking & Product Compliance
Many product categories require CE marking before they can be imported and sold in the EU - including electronics, machinery, toys, PPE, and medical devices. CE marking confirms conformity with EU safety, health, and environmental directives. Goods without required CE marking will be stopped by EU customs at the port of entry.
EU Customs Duty & VAT
All goods entering the EU are subject to import duty under the EU Common Customs Tariff (CCT) and VAT at the rate of the destination member state. Duty rates vary by HS code and country of origin. Preferential rates apply under EU Free Trade Agreements (e.g. EU-US, EU-Japan, EU-ASEAN in progress). GreenLine calculates the full duty and VAT liability as part of your freight quote.
REACH & Chemical Compliance
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) applies to chemical substances imported into the EU above threshold quantities. Importers must verify pre-registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This applies to industrial chemicals, paints, lubricants, and products containing regulated substances.
EUR.1 & Preferential Origin
The EUR.1 movement certificate proves preferential origin for goods imported under an EU Free Trade Agreement - enabling reduced or zero duty rates. It must be issued by the customs authority in the exporting country. GreenLine advises on eligibility and coordinates certificate issuance at origin as part of the documentation process.
Phytosanitary & SPS Controls
Agricultural products, wood packaging, plants, and foodstuffs are subject to EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls at Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) at the port of first entry. A valid phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin is required. GreenLine coordinates SPS documentation and BIP appointment scheduling for affected cargo.
What we move
Cargo Types & Ocean Freight Specialisms to Europe
GreenLine ships standard and specialist cargo to Europe. All cargo types are handled with full ENS compliance and the correct EU import documentation - from standard palletised goods to out-of-gauge project freight.
General & Palletised Cargo
Standard FCL and LCL for boxed, bagged, and palletised goods to all European destinations. GreenLine manages EU import declarations, CE compliance checks, and delivery from Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Antwerp to any European distribution centre or warehouse address.
Heavy Machinery & Industrial Equipment
Flat rack, open-top, and RoRo options for cranes, presses, CNC machinery, and generators. EU import requirements include CE marking for machinery under the EU Machinery Directive. GreenLine coordinates special permits, heavy-lift handling, and oversized load delivery. See our big machinery service.
Dangerous Goods
IMDG-classified cargo - chemicals, lithium batteries, aerosols, and flammable liquids - requires a dangerous goods declaration and IMDG-approved carrier. GreenLine prepares all required documentation and ensures compliance with European ADR and IMDG port rules at the discharge port.
Perishables & Temperature-Sensitive
Reefer containers for food products, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce. EU imports of food products require an EU health certificate and Border Inspection Post (BIP) inspection at the entry port. GreenLine manages BIP notifications, temperature records, and EU food safety compliance on your behalf.
E-Commerce & Retail Wholesale
High-volume B2B wholesale cargo for European retail chains and e-commerce fulfilment centres. GreenLine handles LCL consolidation for smaller regular shipments and FCL programmes for season-peak volumes. We integrate with European 3PL warehousing for direct-to-fulfilment delivery.
Agricultural & Food Products
Grains, pulses, oils, and processed food shipments to Europe require phytosanitary certificates, EU import licences for certain commodities, and ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging. GreenLine coordinates origin certification and EU Border Inspection Post procedures at Rotterdam and Hamburg.
Project & Out-of-Gauge Cargo
Wind turbine components, prefabricated structures, and oversized modules shipped on flat rack, open top, and breakbulk vessels. GreenLine plans the full project cargo chain - from loading surveys and lashing plans at origin to port craneage, special road permits, and abnormal load escorts inside Europe. See our project cargo service.
Scroll to see all cargo types →
Origin countries & corridors
Where We Ship From to Europe
GreenLine operates established ocean freight corridors to Europe from the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and within Europe itself. Contact us with your origin for routing and transit time details.
Not seeing your origin? GreenLine ships to Europe from over 40 countries across 4 continents. Contact us with your origin and European destination for a direct quote.
Industries we serve
Ocean Freight to Europe Across Every Sector
European import compliance varies significantly by sector. GreenLine brings industry-specific knowledge to every shipment - from EU product directives for electronics to phytosanitary controls for agricultural goods.
Credentials & compliance
Operating to the Highest European Ocean Freight Standards Since 2008
FAQS
Ocean Freight to Europe Questions
Transit times range from 10 to 24 days depending on origin and destination port. US East Coast ports connect to Rotterdam and Hamburg in 10 to 14 days; West Coast ports take 18 to 24 days via the Panama Canal. GreenLine monitors all sailings in real time and notifies you of any schedule changes.
FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire 20ft or 40ft container under a single Bill of Lading – best for volumes over 15 CBM or cargo requiring isolation. LCL consolidates your goods with other shippers in a shared container, making it more cost-effective for smaller volumes. GreenLine advises on which option suits your volume and timeline.
The ENS (Entry Summary Declaration) is mandatory for all goods entering the EU by sea under ICS2. It must be filed at least 24 hours before vessel arrival with accurate HS codes and cargo details. Failure to file correctly can result in cargo being held at port. GreenLine handles all ENS filings as standard – no separate arrangement needed.
Yes. GreenLine manages customs clearance at all major European entry ports – Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Gdansk – covering import declarations, duty and VAT calculation, and port release. After clearance, we arrange road delivery to any European address. Contact sales@greenlineglobal.com for a door-to-door quote.
Duties are governed by the EU Common Customs Tariff and based on the HS code and country of origin, ranging from 0% to 17% for most goods. VAT is charged at the destination member state’s rate – typically 19% to 25%. Preferential rates may apply under EU Free Trade Agreements. GreenLine calculates the full landed cost as part of every quote.