How long does it take to travel from China to the north of Africa by sea?
Hey there! I'm a supplier specializing in shipping from China to the north of Africa by sea. One of the most common questions I get asked is, "How long does it take to travel from China to the north of Africa by sea?" Well, let's dive right into it and break down the factors that affect this travel time.
Factors Affecting the Shipping Time
First off, there are several things that can influence how long the journey takes. The main ones are the departure and arrival ports, the shipping route, the type of vessel, and the weather conditions.
Departure and Arrival Ports
China has a bunch of major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo. On the other hand, the north of Africa has important ports such as Casablanca in Morocco, Alexandria in Egypt, and Tunis in Tunisia. The distance between the specific departure and arrival ports plays a huge role. For example, if you're shipping from Shanghai to Casablanca, it's going to be a longer journey compared to shipping from Shenzhen to Alexandria because of the geographical locations.
Shipping Route
There are different shipping routes from China to the north of Africa. The most common one is through the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, the Suez Canal, and then into the Mediterranean Sea. This is a well - established route that many shipping companies use. However, sometimes, due to various reasons like congestion in the Suez Canal or political situations, alternative routes might be taken. An alternative route could be around the southern tip of Africa, which is much longer and will add a significant amount of time to the journey.
Type of Vessel
The type of ship also matters. Container ships are the most common for transporting goods. They come in different sizes and speeds. Larger container ships usually have a higher cruising speed and can carry more cargo, which means they might complete the journey faster. On the other hand, smaller vessels or specialized ships might be slower. For instance, a bulk carrier might take longer than a modern container ship because of its design and purpose.
Weather Conditions
Weather can be a real wild card. Storms, typhoons in the Pacific Ocean, and monsoons in the Indian Ocean can slow down the ships. Strong winds and rough seas can force the captain to reduce the speed of the vessel to ensure the safety of the crew and the cargo. In the Mediterranean Sea, high - pressure systems or sudden storms can also affect the travel time.
Estimated Shipping Times
Now, let's talk about some estimated shipping times. On average, if you're using the common route through the Suez Canal, it usually takes around 25 - 40 days. This is a rough estimate, of course.
If you're shipping from a port in southern China like Shenzhen to a port in Egypt such as Alexandria, it might take around 25 - 30 days. This is because the distance is relatively shorter compared to other destinations in the north of Africa. The ships can move at a good pace through the well - traveled route, and with favorable weather conditions, they can reach the destination within this time frame.
For shipments from Shanghai to ports in Morocco like Casablanca, it can take around 35 - 40 days. The longer distance means more time on the water, and there are more potential factors that could cause delays along the way.
If an alternative route around the southern tip of Africa is taken, the journey can take up to 60 days or even more. This is a much longer and riskier route, but it can be used in case of emergencies or when the Suez Canal is not an option.
Our Services as a Supplier
As a supplier in the "From China To North Of Africa By Sea" business, we've got a lot to offer. We work with some of the best international shipping companies to ensure that your goods are in safe hands. We can help you choose the right shipping route based on your needs and the current situation. Whether you're shipping a small amount of goods (LCL - Less than Container Load) or a whole container (FCL - Full Container Load), we've got the solution for you.
We also offer additional services like cargo insurance. This way, you don't have to worry about any potential loss or damage during the long journey. Our team of experts can handle all the paperwork, customs clearance, and other formalities, making the shipping process as smooth as possible for you.


Related Services
If you're interested in other shipping routes, we've got you covered too. We're also an International Shipping forwarder from China To East Mediterranean. This service is great if you have business in the East Mediterranean region. We can arrange for efficient and reliable shipping to ports in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon.
For those who need to ship goods to Malaysia, we offer FCL LCL Sea Shipping from China To Ports Of Malaysia. Whether you're sending consumer goods, industrial products, or anything in between, we can find the best shipping option for you.
And if South Korea is your destination, we provide Ocean Freight Shipping from China To South Korea. It's a shorter - distance shipping service, but we still make sure to handle it with the same level of care and professionalism.
Why Choose Us
We understand that shipping goods is a big deal for you. That's why we focus on providing excellent customer service. We'll keep you updated on the status of your shipment at every step of the way. Our rates are competitive, and we always look for ways to save you money without compromising on the quality of the service.
We've built a reputation for reliability and trust in the shipping industry. Many of our customers come back to us for their future shipping needs because they know they can count on us.
Contact Us for Your Shipping Needs
If you're thinking about shipping goods from China to the north of Africa by sea or any of the other routes we offer, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to answer all your questions, provide you with a detailed quote, and help you plan your shipment. Whether you're a small business owner or a large corporation, we can tailor our services to meet your specific requirements. So, reach out to us, and let's start planning your shipping journey together!
References
- Maritime shipping industry reports
- International shipping company data on travel times
- Geographical studies on shipping routes from China to North Africa
