Sea Freight

Our team ensures the highest level of maritime transport service, offering competitive freight rates and identifying the best opportunities for logistical efficiency based on cargo and route characteristics.

Our partners on five continents allow us to provide a wide range of services:

• Project cargo

• Tank containers

• Liquid chemicals, industrial oils, kerosene, fuel oil, etc.

• FCL and LCL transport

• Ro/Ro cargo with specialized shipowners

Frequently Asked Questions | Sea Freight

Can my cargo be shipped by sea?

We assess weight, dimensions, packaging type, and cargo sensitivity to determine feasibility (break bulk, RO-RO, or containerized).

What type of vessel is best for my cargo?

It depends on cargo type and volume. Oversized cargo typically travels on break bulk, heavy-lift, or RO-RO vessels.

Which ports are enabled to ship or receive this type of cargo?

We check quay infrastructure, draft, available equipment, land access, and heavy handling capacity.

Are there port restrictions or special authorizations required?

Some shipments require ANVISA, IBAMA, Federal Revenue, or Navy approvals, as well as port scheduling.

What is the estimated maritime transit time?

It depends on the origin, destination, type of vessel (liner or tramp), and scheduled stops. The pre- and post-land transport time must also be considered.

What is the frequency of ships for this route?

Regular lines have weekly or fortnightly departures. For project cargo, it is common to charter a ship or negotiate with operators who assemble combined loads.

How is maritime freight cost calculated?

It includes base freight, port charges, demurrage, surcharges (BAF, CAF, ISPS), THC, etc. Transparency is essential.

Is there a cost for storage in ports?

Yes. Ports charge storage according to the official table and length of stay. Project cargo generally requires planning to avoid demurrage.

What documents are required for shipment?

Packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, BL (Bill of Lading), special transport authorization (when applicable), among others.

Is a customs broker necessary?

Yes, for international operations. However, the customs broker must be consulted in the pre-shipment due to administrative treatments, who will verify which intervening and approving bodies exist, certain obligations to have the shipping authorization and subsequently (after the vessel's arrival) carry out customs clearance at origin and destination.

How should my cargo be packaged?

Robust, moisture-resistant, and well-identified packaging. In the case of heavy cargo, they must have clear lifting points, protection against oxidation and impact.

Is lashing or specific securing required?

Yes. Especially for break bulk cargo, the lashing plan is critical for safety on board.

What are the main maritime risks?

Handling damage, humidity, salinity, cargo shifts, and vessel stability issues. Operational risks include delays and retention.

Key Acronyms (ETA, ATA, ETB, ATB, ETS, ATS).

These milestones are critical for managing terminal productivity, cost control, and the fluidity of international trade. Mastering them enables professionals to operate strategically and efficiently.

ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival

It is the first official estimate of the time the vessel is expected to arrive at the destination port. This data is generally provided by the captain or the shipping agent and serves as a starting point for the logistical planning of the vessel's reception.

ATA – Actual Time of Arrival

It represents the actual moment the ship enters the port's anchorage area or its approach zone. This is a milestone that allows verifying the accuracy of the ETA. Generated indicators: Deviation between forecast and reality (ETA vs ATA); Monitoring of external factors that impacted the arrival (weather conditions, congestion, etc.).

ETB – Estimated Time of Berthing

It is the forecast of the moment the vessel will be berthed at an available berth to begin loading or unloading operations. This information is highly dynamic and sensitive to the performance of previous berths. Operational impact: Defines the estimated start of operational windows; Supports the scheduling of port operators, cranes, equipment, and terminal capacity.

ATB – Actual Time of Berthing

It is the actual record of the time the vessel berths at the quay. This information is vital for controlling terminal productivity and measuring the efficiency of the berthing flow. Use in performance management: Measurement of waiting times at anchorage (ATA vs ATB); Indicator of terminal efficiency; Basis for operational bottleneck analysis.

ETS – Estimated Time of Sailing

It indicates when the ship is expected to leave the port, considering the estimated operation time. It is an important variable for planning the ship's next logistical cycle and for organizing port traffic. Planning and synchronization: Coordinates deadlines for cargo release; Aligns the supply chain with maritime transport; Defines the available operating window.

ATS – Actual Time of Sailing

It is the actual moment the vessel unberths and departs from the port. This is the closing of the operational cycle at the terminal and the starting point for productivity metrics. Efficiency measurement, indicates delays or advances that impact contracts and SLAs; Consolidates the vessel's complete cycle at the terminal.

ETA, ATA, ETB, ATB, ETS, and ATS are not just records, they are management, control, and optimization tools. Mastering these milestones allows professionals and companies to act more strategically and effectively.