What Are the Types of Containers Used in Maritime Shipping to Egypt?

by | Sep 14, 2025 | Blogs, sea freight, Shipping containers | 0 comments

Sea freight represents one of the main pillars of Egypt’s international trade, due to its distinguished geographical location on the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, with various Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt playing a basic role in facilitating global commerce. And its possession of strategic ports, including Alexandria, Damietta, and Port Said. For sea transport operations to be carried out efficiently and effectively, various types of containers are utilized, differing according to the nature of the goods and their storage and transportation requirements.

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What is sea freight?

Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt in sea freight is the process of transporting goods and merchandise across seas and oceans using dedicated vessels. starting from the ports of dispatch and arriving at the final ports. Goods transported via this type of freight include containers, raw materials, bulk cargo, automobiles, electronic devices, and food products.

Types of sea shipping

Sea freight methods vary to meet the needs of global trade, as each type differs in transportation mechanism, size of goods, and cost, allowing companies and individuals to choose the most appropriate method for their shipments, especially when exploring the various Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt.

container shipping

Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt is one of the most common shipping methods, as goods are packed inside closed metal containers that provide high protection and reduce the risk of damage or theft.

  • FCL: Fully customized container for a single customer’s shipment.
  • LCL: A small shipment that shares a container with other shipments.

Bulk shipping

Designed to transport large quantities of unpackaged goods, such as grain, coal, cement, and sugar, via ships.

Shipping of general goods

It involves transporting goods that do not fit in containers, such as large machinery, wood, and iron.

refrigerated shipping

Designed for transporting heat-sensitive products, such as fresh food and medicine, using container types equipped with advanced refrigeration systems to maintain the quality of the goods throughout the journey.

shipment of vehicles

It is used to transport vehicles of various types, including cars, trucks, and heavy equipment via designated ships. The vehicles are loaded directly onto the ship by boarding and driving.

Types of sea freight containers

Understanding the differences between Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt is crucial in the shipping system, as it contributes to the efficient and safe transportation of goods from ports of origin to ports of destination around the world., particularly when considering the various Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt. Shipping container prices and container types vary according to the nature of the goods, loading methods, and storage needs. The following are the most important types of containers used in international trade and the Egyptian market, and container sizes in meters:

Dry containers

Dry containers are the most common type in Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt, representing approximately 75% of total global shipments. They are used to transport general cargo such as clothing, electronics, household items, and dry raw materials. Container types are available in multiple PDF sizes, the most notable of which are 20 feet, 40 feet, and 40 feet High Cube, which features an additional height to provide greater capacity.

refrigerated container

Equipped with advanced cooling systems that precisely control temperature, Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt ensure the safe transport of perishable goods. it covers a wide range from -30°C to +30°C and is the ideal choice for transporting sensitive goods such as fresh fruits, frozen meat, medicines, and food products that require special conditions to maintain their quality.

Flat containers

Its unique design, without sides or a roof, makes it ideal for shipping bulky equipment in Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt.  large vehicles, industrial machinery, or goods that are difficult to place in traditional containers. It is characterized by its ability to withstand heavy weights and the possibility of side or top loading.

Open roof containers

It has a flexible or fully removable roof in Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt, making it suitable for loading oversized cargo.  allowing long or irregularly shaped goods to be loaded from above using cranes and is typically used to ship pipes, long timber, or large equipment that exceeds the height of a standard container.

Tank containers

Shipping containers are designed to transport liquids and gases, whether food or chemicals, and contain a strong metal cylinder protected by a metal frame in the shape of a standard container.

Advantages of sea shipping

Sea freight in Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt is one of the most widely used means of transportation in international trade.  and it has a few characteristics that make it a preferred choice compared to land or air freight. The most prominent of these features are:

  •       Sea freight is considered the least expensive among other means of transportation, as it provides the possibility of transporting large quantities of goods at a much lower cost than air or land freight.
  •       Ships can transport goods and the size of shipping containers or with large weights, a feature that is not as efficient as land or air transport.
  •       Maritime accidents and the possibility of damage to goods are much lower compared to other means of transportation, which gives maritime shipping a strong reputation for transportation reliability.
  •       Ships produce fewer emissions compared to large aircraft or trucks, making sea freight a more environmentally sustainable option.
  •       Sea freight allows for easy loading and unloading of goods and container types, as well as flexible storage in ports or warehouses.
  •       The availability of seaports in most countries of the world facilitates import and export operations, making it the ideal means of international trade.

Are there different shipping systems?

Yes, shipping systems and methods vary depending on customer needs and the nature of shipments. Shipping companies often choose the optimal system according to each customer’s requirements. The most prominent of these systems are:

Total shipping

In this system, an entire container is allocated only to the customer’s goods, providing greater privacy and protection for the shipment and is typically used when shipping large quantities or high-value shipments.

partial shipment

Here, the customer’s goods are combined with other customers’ shipments in the same container. Although partial shipping may be more expensive than total shipping due to the complexity of customs procedures and the variety of goods, all of these procedures are handled by the shipping company, without the customer having to put in any additional effort.

Ultimately, understanding Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt is an essential step for the success of any international transportation process. Choosing the right container and the optimal shipping system ensures the safety of goods, reduces costs, and speeds up procedures, which positively impacts customer satisfaction and the efficiency of supply chains in global trade.

How do you choose the right container for sea shipping from Egypt to any country in the world?

In international trade, shipping companies usually undertake the task of choosing the most appropriate Types of Containers and Shipping to Egypt on behalf of the customer. benefiting from their extensive experience in the field, and this choice depends on a set of basic factors, most notably:

Type of goods

The choice of container depends on the specific properties of the cargo. Dry, liquid, refrigerated, and valuable goods are each assigned specialized containers that optimize transportation and protection.

How long does the shipping process take from China to Egypt?

Sea shipping takes an average of 20 to 30 days, depending on the ship’s specific itinerary, port operating conditions in terms of congestion or unloading speed, and weather factors that may affect arrival times.

Can refrigerated goods and medicines be shipped by sea?

Yes, transportation is carried out via modern refrigerated containers equipped with the latest refrigeration, temperature, and humidity control technologies, ensuring that the quality of sensitive goods is maintained throughout the shipping period and until they reach their destination.

What are the best shipping companies in Egypt?

International Shipping Company is a leading shipping company, thanks to its extensive market experience and integrated logistics services that meet the needs of individuals and businesses, while adhering to the highest standards of quality and efficiency at all stages of transportation.