Sea freight to and from Finland

Balanced Logistics Oy ships full containers (FCL) and shared-container cargo (LCL) to and from Finland, and handles booking, pickup, customs clearance and delivery. Our team works on site at Vuosaari Harbour (00980 Helsinki) every working day. Vuosaari handles about half of Finland's container imports. A full container from China typically reaches Finland in 35–45 days door to door.

  • IATA 1947010Accredited cargo agent
  • WCA 106317Member of the WCA forwarder network
  • HELOn site daily at Helsinki Airport cargo area
  • VUOSAARIOn site daily at Vuosaari Harbour
  • 2009Since 2009, Vantaa

What we handle

  • Container or LCL booking with the carrier
  • Pickup from your supplier and export clearance at origin through our partners
  • Import and export customs clearance in Finland
  • Haulage from the port, unloading and pallet delivery anywhere in Finland
  • For exports: empty container positioning, VGM and bill of lading
  • Cargo insurance on request

Transit times

Lane Service Typical transit
China → Finland FCL, door to door 35–45 days
China → Finland LCL, door to door 40–50 days
Shanghai → Helsinki FCL, port to port 30–40 days
USA → Finland Sea freight from about 27 days
Travemünde → Vuosaari Ro-ro ferry, daily about 29–30 hours

These times are indicative (updated 12.10.2026). We confirm the schedule when you book.

How pricing works

FCL is priced per container: 20 ft (about 33 m³), 40 ft (about 67 m³) or 40 ft high cube (about 76 m³). LCL is priced per revenue tonne (W/M), which is each cubic metre or each 1,000 kg, whichever is greater. Terminal charges, fuel and peak-season surcharges, customs clearance and delivery are added. Duty and VAT are passed on at cost. Ocean rates change weekly, so we quote each shipment in writing.

Updated 12 October 2026

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does a container from China to Finland take?

About 35–45 days door to door for FCL and 40–50 days for LCL.

FCL or LCL?

LCL suits a few pallets. From about 10–15 m³ we compare LCL with a 20 ft container.

Which port?

Usually Vuosaari for the Helsinki region, or HaminaKotka for south-east Finland.

Do you clear customs?

Yes. We file the declarations and estimate duty and VAT in advance.

Request a quote

Send the goods description, volume (m³), weight, origin and delivery addresses, Incoterm and ready date.

We reply within 1 hour on working days when all shipment details are provided.