Sea freight guide

Sea Freight Guide: Ports, Containers, Customs Clearance & Costs

Sea Freight Guide

Sea freight remains one of the most important commercial transport solutions for large-volume shipments, general cargo, industrial materials, food products, and loads where cost efficiency is a priority over air freight.

For trade lanes serving the Eastern Mediterranean — including calls at Latakia and Tartus — cargo often continues inland after arrival and customs clearance. Across MENA supports digital booking, transit and re-export planning, and door-to-door coordination.

This guide outlines what international traders need before requesting sea freight: ports, container types, documentation, pricing factors, customs clearance, and typical inland connections.

What Is Sea Freight to Syria?

Sea freight to Syria involves transporting goods by vessel from the port of origin or an international transit port to one of the Syrian ports, followed by unloading, customs clearance, and inland transport procedures as required.

Sea freight is typically suitable for:

Large-volume commercial shipments

Full Container Load FCL

Industrial goods
Packaged food products
Equipment and machinery
Raw materials
Cargo that does not require the speed of air freight
Shipments where cost is more important than transit time

Sea freight is not chosen based on price alone, but also on the country of origin, cargo type, shipping line availability, transit time, destination port, clearance requirements, and the cost of inland transport after arrival.

Key Syrian Ports for Sea Freight

Sea freight traffic to Syria primarily relies on two commercial ports: the Port of Latakia and the Port of Tartus. The choice of the most suitable port depends on the shipping line, country of origin, cargo type, final delivery city, and operational service availability at the time of shipment.

Port of Latakia

The Port of Latakia is one of Syria's most important sea freight gateways and is widely used for container and general cargo traffic

The Port of Latakia is generally suitable for shipments destined for:

Latakia
Aleppo
Hama
Idlib when appropriate inland transport is available
Homs depending on route and cost
Other Syrian cities after evaluating the final delivery point

This port is an important option for shipments arriving in 20-foot, 40-foot, or 40-foot High Cube containers, as well as certain special shipments subject to shipping line and port acceptance.

Port of Tartus

The Port of Tartus is one of Syria's principal ports, serving general cargo, bulk shipments, containers, and certain types of industrial shipments depending on the available service.

The Port of Tartus is generally suitable for shipments destined for:

Tartus
Homs
Damascus
Damascus Countryside
Hama depending on the route
The Syrian coast and some inland destinations

The Port of Tartus may be a more suitable option when the shipment is heading to central or southern Syria, or when the available shipping line to Tartus offers better timing or cost efficiency.

How Is the Most Suitable Port Selected?

Port selection is not based solely on distance, but on a combination of operational and commercial factors, including:

Country and port of origin
Shipping line schedule
Availability of empty containers in the country of origin
Required container type
Cargo type
Final Syrian destination city
Unloading and handling costs
Port waiting time

Customs clearance requirements

Inland transport cost from port to warehouse
Truck availability after customs release

In some cases, a port may be farther away, but the shipping line or ocean freight cost makes it the more efficient option. Therefore, the total cost from the origin port to the final delivery point must be evaluated, not just the sea freight rate.

Container Types Used in Sea Freight to Syria

The appropriate container varies depending on cargo volume, weight, nature, packing method, and handling requirements
20-foot Standard Container
A versatile container suitable for shipping general cargo, cartons, light equipment, and non-refrigerated commercial goods
40-foot Standard Container
A suitable option for larger-volume shipments, used for general cargo and commercial parcels requiring more internal space
40-foot High Cube Container
A container with additional height providing greater internal space, ideal for bulky cargo or shipments requiring more vertical capacity
45-foot High Cube Container
A high-capacity container designed for oversized shipments, offering additional space compared to standard and traditional high cube containers
20-foot Open Top Container
A container suitable for cargo that is difficult to load through front doors, typically used for shipments requiring top-loading by crane
40-foot Open Top Container
A suitable option for tall or oversized cargo requiring top-loading, with more space than the 20-foot open top container
20-foot Flat Rack Container
A container designed for heavy or irregularly shaped cargo, typically used for equipment and machinery that cannot be loaded inside a closed container
40-foot Flat Rack Container
A container suitable for large, heavy shipments such as industrial equipment and machinery, with the ability to load from the top or sides
20-foot Collapsible Flat Rack Container

A flexible container designed for heavy or non-standard-dimension cargo, featuring foldable sides to facilitate handling and storage when not in use.

40-foot Collapsible Flat Rack Container
A suitable option for large industrial shipments and heavy machinery, with a collapsible design that allows greater flexibility in handling and loading
20-foot Platform Container
An open shipping platform used for heavy or oversized cargo that does not require walls or a roof, suitable for shipments with special loading requirements
40-foot Platform Container
A long shipping platform designed for oversized cargo or large-dimension equipment, offering high loading flexibility from multiple sides
20-foot Refrigerated Container
A container designed for cargo requiring temperature-controlled transport, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, or heat-sensitive materials
40-foot Refrigerated Container
A larger refrigerated container suitable for high-volume temperature-sensitive shipments, equipped with a cooling system to maintain stable transport conditions
45-foot Platform Container

A high-capacity shipping platform used for very long or very large cargo, suitable for shipments that require additional loading space and handling flexibility.

FCL or LCL: Which Is More Suitable for Shipping to Syria?

Full Container Load Shipping FCL

This means the container is dedicated to a single shipment or a single importer. This option is suitable when the cargo volume is sufficient to fill an entire container, or when the cargo is sensitive and needs to be kept separate from other shipments.

FCL Advantages:
Greater control over the shipment
Reduced cargo handling
Greater cost transparency
Suitable for medium and large commercial shipments
Less risk of cargo mixing with other shipments

Less than Container Load Shipping LCL

This means shipping a portion of a container alongside other shipments. It may be suitable for small shipments, but it requires availability of a proper consolidation service and a careful review of additional costs such as unloading, handling, storage, and redelivery.

If LCL is not available on a specific route, alternatives are assessed such as air freight for small shipments or waiting for a full container load to be completed

How Is Sea Freight Cost to Syria Calculated?

There is no fixed cost for sea freight to Syria, as the rate changes according to several operational and commercial factors

Key pricing factors:

Port of origin
Destination port in Syria
Container type
Cargo volume and weight
Cargo type
Availability of empty containers
Shipping line schedule
Transit time
Shipping season
Port congestion

Port charges

Handling fees

Customs clearance

Inland transport after arrival
Need for refrigeration or special handling
Presence of hazardous or restricted goods
Incoterms sale conditions
Potential surcharges such as GRI, War Risk, or Peak Season when applied by the shipping line

Therefore, the total cost must be considered, not just the ocean freight rate. The sea rate may be low, but port charges, inland transport, or waiting times can significantly increase the final cost.

Information Required to Obtain an Accurate Quote

To obtain a clear sea freight quote to Syria, it is advisable to have the following information ready:

Country and port of loading
Required destination port: Latakia or Tartus
Final delivery city within Syria
Cargo type
HS Code if available
Number of packages

Total weight

Approximate volume
Required container type

Does the shipment require refrigeration?

Is the cargo hazardous or chemical?

Does it contain batteries or liquids?

Is port-to-port or door-to-door shipping required?

Cargo readiness date
Commercial invoice and packing list if available
The more accurate the data provided, the closer the quote will be to the actual cost, and the clearer the booking and clearance process will be

Approximate Distances from Syrian Ports to Major Cities

The following distances are approximate and are used for preliminary planning purposes only. Actual distances may vary depending on the port gate, warehouse location, approved route, road conditions, and truck type.

City
Most Suitable Port (Generally)
Approximate Distance
Latakia
Port of Latakia
Within the city / depending on delivery point
Tartus
Port of Tartus
Within the city / depending on delivery point
Aleppo
Port of Latakia
Approx. 180–190 km
Hama
Port of Latakia or Tartus
Approx. 125–140 km depending on route
Homs
Port of Tartus
Approx. 90–110 km
Homs
Port of Latakia
Approx. 170–180 km
Damascus
Port of Tartus
Approx. 250–255 km
Damascus
Port of Latakia
Approx. 320–340 km
Damascus Countryside
Port of Tartus or Latakia
Depending on delivery point
As-Suwayda
Port of Tartus (generally)
Depending on route and delivery point
Daraa
Port of Tartus (generally)
Depending on route and delivery point
Note: These distances do not include customs clearance time, inspection, waiting, or port exit procedures

Documents Required for Sea Freight to Syria

Required documents vary depending on cargo type, country of origin, port of loading, and the requirements of the relevant authorities. However, they generally include:

1. Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading is the primary transport document in sea freight. It details the shipper, consignee, carrier, port of loading, port of discharge, cargo description, number of containers, and container numbers and seals.

Net weight

Gross weight

Dimensions
Cargo distribution inside the container
Package or pallet numbers when required
4. Certificate of Origin
Indicates the country of origin of the goods and may be required for customs or commercial purposes depending on the cargo type and exporting country
5. HS Code
Assists in determining the customs classification, applicable duties, restrictions, and required approvals prior to import
6. Special Certificates or Approvals

May be required for certain goods, such as:

Health certificates for food products
Agricultural or phytosanitary certificates
Conformity certificates
Approvals for electrical appliances
Approvals for chemical substances
MSDS documents for sensitive or hazardous materials
Import licenses or approvals depending on cargo type

2. Commercial Invoice

Sets out the essential commercial details, such as:

Seller name
Buyer name
Cargo description
Quantity
Value
Currency
Terms of sale
Country of origin if applicable
3. Packing List

Details the packing information, such as:

Number of packages
Type of packaging

Customs Clearance for Sea Freight in Syria

Customs clearance is an essential stage in sea freight to Syria — the shipping process is not complete simply when the container arrives at the port

Clearance procedures typically include:

Review of commercial documents
Verification of cargo description
Review of HS Code
Calculation of duties and taxes
Processing of the customs declaration
Coordination with the port and relevant authorities
Follow-up on inspection when required
Completion of release procedures
Coordination of container or cargo exit from the port

Pre-shipment review of documents helps minimize the likelihood of delays, especially when there are discrepancies between the invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or cargo description.

Fees and Charges to Be Aware Of

When assessing the cost of sea freight to Syria, it is important to note that the total price may consist of more than one component, including:

Ocean Freight

Port charges

Terminal Handling Charges (THC)

Document issuance or release fees

Delivery Order fees

Storage fees in case of delay

Ground rent fees when permitted periods are exceeded

Demurrage fees

Container Detention fees

Inspection or survey fees when required

Customs clearance fees

Inland transport fees

Crane or special handling fees if required
It is therefore important to clarify whether the quoted price covers only the sea freight, or whether it also includes clearance and inland transport to the consignee's door

Sea Freight Transit Time to Syria

Sea freight transit time to Syria varies depending on the port of origin, shipping line, transit ports, port congestion, and container availability
A shipment may be direct or routed via an intermediate port, and in some cases transit time may change due to operational conditions or shipping line schedules

Factors affecting transit time:

Port of loading
Port of discharge
Number of transit stops
Waiting time at the transit port
Document readiness

Unloading procedures

Customs clearance

Inland transport after release
Transit time should therefore be treated as an operational estimate, not a fixed date, until the booking is confirmed by the shipping line

Sea Freight Steps with Across MENA

Step One: Shipment Data Review

Cargo data, weight, volume, container type, country of origin, and required destination port are collected
Step Two: Route and Port Determination
The most suitable destination port between Latakia and Tartus is assessed based on the shipping line, final city, and total cost
Step Three: Document Review
The commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, HS Code, and any additional approvals are reviewed according to cargo type
Step Four: Quotation Submission
A price quotation is submitted based on the route, container type, cargo nature, clearance, and inland transport when required
Step Five: Booking Confirmation
Upon acceptance of the quotation, the booking is confirmed with the shipping line and shipping instructions are followed up

Step Six: Shipment Tracking

The shipment is tracked from the loading stage through to arrival at the Syrian port, with document coordination and customs clearance follow-up

Step Seven: Customs Clearance and Inland Delivery

After the shipment arrives, clearance procedures and container or cargo exit from the port are coordinated, followed by arranging inland transport to the final destination upon request.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Requesting a quote without specifying the port of loading
Not specifying the final delivery city within Syria
Providing inaccurate weight or volume figures
Selecting an unsuitable container type for the cargo
Failing to mention that the cargo requires refrigeration
Not declaring chemical or hazardous materials
Discrepancies between the invoice and the packing list
Using an inaccurate HS Code
Not accounting for port charges, clearance fees, and inland transport costs
Delays in submitting original documents when required
Overlooking storage or demurrage fees
Avoiding these mistakes helps reduce operational risks, improve cost transparency, and speed up shipment release procedures

The Difference Between Sea, Air, and Land Freight to Syria

Factor	Sea Freight	Air Freight

Land Freight

Best suited for

Large Shipments and Containers

Urgent and high-value shipments
Regional and flexible shipments

Cost

Generally lower for large volumes
Generally higher
Variable depending on route
Speed
Slower than air
Generally fastest
Depends on country and border crossing
Calculation method
Container, volume, weight, port charges
Actual or volumetric weight
Truck type, distance, weight
Point of arrival
Port of Latakia or Tartus
Airport or regional air route
Land border crossing

Clearance

At the port
At the airport or point of arrival

At the Border Crossing or Customs Office

The choice of shipping method should be based on the balance between time, cost, shipment volume, cargo nature, and final destination

Why Across MENA?

Across MENA helps traders and importers organize sea freight to Syria by assessing the route, selecting the appropriate port, reviewing container type, following up on documentation, and coordinating customs clearance and inland transport when required.

We focus on:

Clarity of shipment data
Route review prior to booking
Selection of the appropriate container
Review of commercial documents
Coordination of customs clearance
Follow-up on all shipping stages
Commercial and operational decision support
Minimizing cost and time surprises

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Freight to Syria

What are the most important sea freight ports to Syria?

The most important sea freight ports to Syria are the Port of Latakia and the Port of Tartus. The most suitable port is selected based on the shipping line, final destination city, and shipment type.

Can a 20-foot container be shipped to Syria?

Yes, 20-foot containers can be shipped to Syria and are generally suitable for heavy cargo or medium-volume shipments.

Can a 40-foot container be shipped to Syria?

Yes, 40-foot and 40-foot High Cube containers can be shipped depending on container availability and the sea route.

Are sea freight rates to Syria fixed?

No, rates vary depending on the port of origin, destination port, container type, season, space availability, port charges, customs clearance, and inland transport.

What documents are required for sea freight to Syria?

They generally include the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, HS Code, and any special approvals depending on cargo type.

What is the difference between the Port of Latakia and the Port of Tartus?

Can delivery be arranged from the port to the consignee's door within Syria?

Yes, inland transport can be coordinated after customs clearance depending on the city, cargo type, and required truck type.

Can food products be shipped by sea to Syria?

Yes, but some food products may require health certificates or special approvals depending on the product type and country of origin.

Can refrigerated goods be shipped by sea to Syria?

Yes, refrigerated containers can be used when the service and appropriate route are available, with the required temperature specified before booking.

What is meant by Demurrage and Detention fees?

Demurrage refers to fees that may arise from a container remaining inside the port beyond the free period, while Detention refers to fees that may arise from a delay in returning the empty container after it has left the port.

Book Your Sea Shipment to Syria

If you have a sea shipment to Syria, the Across MENA team can assist you in evaluating the most suitable route, selecting the port and container, reviewing documentation, and providing a tailored quotation based on your shipment details.

Send your shipment details now, and we will help you identify the most suitable sea freight solution in terms of time, cost, and operational requirements.

Sea Freight Guide: Ports, Containers, Customs Clearance & Costs