Modes and equipment
Transshipment
Moving a container from one vessel to another at a hub port on the way to its final destination.
In four languages
Not every port pair has a direct sailing. When a ship does not call at your destination, the container is discharged at a hub, such as Jebel Ali, Khor Fakkan, Salalah or Colombo, and loaded onto a second vessel, often a smaller feeder. Transshipment adds time, often 3 to 10 days, and there is a risk of rollover if the connecting vessel is full. The bill of lading shows the port of loading and the final port of discharge, and may or may not name the hub. Example: cargo from Xiamen for Dammam may travel on a mainline vessel to a hub port and then on a feeder to Dammam. In 2026, with many lines avoiding Hormuz, Gulf cargo is often discharged at an alternative port and moved on by truck or feeder instead.
Questions
Is a direct sailing always better than transshipment?
Direct sailings are usually faster and carry less handling risk, but a transshipment route may be the only option or offer better availability. Our team compares both for your dates.
Can my letter of credit forbid transshipment?
Yes, an L/C can state that transshipment is not allowed, so check it against the actual routing before it is issued.