SHIPPING PROCESS FROM VIETNAM TO SENEGAL

Thứ sáu - 08/08/2025 21:31

Senegal – officially the Republic of Senegal – is located in West Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country has a strategic position at the western gateway of Africa, serving as the endpoint of many transatlantic shipping routes and trade corridors linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
In terms of geography, Senegal:

Borders Mauritania to the north
Borders of Mali to the east
Borders Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south
Borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with a coastline of approximately 531 km
Almost surrounds The Gambia (a small country located within Senegal)

Thanks to this location, Senegal has become an important logistics hub connecting West Africa to international markets and serves as a maritime gateway for landlocked countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso.
Senegal has a stable economy, modern port infrastructure, and a high demand for imported goods from Asia—particularly from Vietnam. This makes it a promising market for Vietnamese businesses looking to expand into the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) region.

Join Unicorn Logistics in exploring the SHIPPING PROCESS FROM VIETNAM TO SENEGAL. If you are seeking a reliable shipping partner from Vietnam to Senegal, explore our services. Unicorn Logistics is a professional logistics and freight forwarding partner, committed to affordable rates, reliability, and fast delivery. Contact us at Eric@unicornlogs.com / 0907256567 – Mr. Bac (Eric), Sales Director, for professional consultation and support.

⚓ 1. Main Seaports in Senegal

🚢 Port of Dakar
Located at the westernmost tip of the Cape Verde Peninsula in the capital Dakar, this is Senegal’s largest and most modern port, serving as a leading trade gateway connecting Europe, West Africa, and South America. The port has over 20 berths, can accommodate Panamax and Post-Panamax vessels, and features a container terminal with a capacity of over 600,000 TEUs/year operated by DP World. It operates 24/7, with warehousing and domestic logistics connected directly to Mali via road and rail.

🚢 Port of Ziguinchor
Located in the Casamance region in southern Senegal, this port mainly handles timber, agricultural products, and trade with Guinea-Bissau.

🚛 2. Shipping Methods from Vietnam

Sea Freight (most common):

FCL (Full Container Load): For large-volume shipments using a full container.
LCL (Less than Container Load): For smaller shipments, sharing container space.

Air Freight: Suitable for urgent, high-value, or lightweight goods such as electronic components and samples.

⏱️ 3. Transit Time and Sailing Schedules from Vietnam to Senegal

The sea freight transit time from Vietnam (Cat Lai – Ho Chi Minh City or Hai Phong) to Dakar Port is typically 35–45 days, depending on the shipping line and transshipment route. Common routes include stops in Singapore, Port Klang (Malaysia), or European ports before arriving in Senegal.
As West Africa shipping routes are less frequent, businesses should book vessel space 10–14 days in advance to ensure schedules and avoid storage fees. Unicorn Logistics will help optimize the route to ensure timely delivery at competitive costs.

📦 4. Shipping Process from Vietnam to Senegal

Step 1: Receive Request & Provide Quotation
Unicorn Logistics advises on the route, shipping method, and best rates based on cargo details.

Step 2: Confirm Order & Prepare Documentation
Includes contracts, commercial invoices, packing lists, C/O (if applicable), and any special permits.

Step 3: Packing & Customs Declaration in Vietnam
Goods are packed according to international standards, customs declared via VNACCS, and cleared for export.

Step 4: Transport to Port & Vessel Loading
Unicorn Logistics arranges transport, books vessel space, issues the Bill of Lading, and supervises loading.

Step 5: Track Shipment & Assist with Import in Senegal
Upon arrival in Dakar, local agents complete import customs clearance, including declaration, tax payment, and port fees. Unicorn Logistics can connect clients with partners to handle this process.

💸 5. Costs to Consider

Local charges at Vietnamese ports: THC, documentation fees, handling fees.
Ocean freight charges.
Charges at Senegalese ports: unloading, container storage, domestic clearance.
Import duty & VAT: usually 15–20%, depending on the product.
Special documentation fee: ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note), mandatory for Senegal imports.

Choosing a reputable company like Unicorn Logistics helps businesses plan and optimize costs from the outset.

🧮 6. Freight Rate Calculation from Vietnam to Senegal

Sea Freight

For FCL (Full Container Load):
Total freight cost = Freight rate per container × Number of containers (or Bills/Shipments)

For LCL (Less than Container Load):
Depending on whether the cargo is heavy or light, one of the following formulas is applied:
Volume (CBM) = (Length × Width × Height) × Quantity (m³)
Then compare cargo volume with weight:

1 ton < 3 CBM → heavy cargo → charge based on KGS rate
1 ton ≥ 3 CBM → light cargo → charge based on CBM rate

Standard conversions:

1 ton = 3 CBM
1 CBM = 1000 kg

Freight formulas:

KGS rate = (Weight (kg) × Freight rate per CBM) / 1000
CBM rate = Volume × Freight rate per CBM

The rate per CBM is set by the international freight service provider.

📌 7. Common Export Products from Vietnam to Senegal

Agricultural products: rice, pepper, coffee, tea
Processed and frozen seafood
Construction materials: cement, bricks, steel
Consumer goods: clothing, footwear, plastic products
Machinery, components, electrical equipment

Unicorn Logistics – Your Partner for Exports to Senegal

Unicorn Logistics is one of Vietnam’s leading companies in freight forwarding and international shipping. With practical experience and a highly skilled team, we are committed to delivering comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions for every business.
Our key services include:

International Sea & Air Freight: From Vietnam to ports worldwide and vice versa.
Domestic Transport: By road, inland waterways, and rail.
Comprehensive Customs Brokerage: Available in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and several inland checkpoints.
C/O (Certificate of Origin) Services: Consultation and handling for all form types.
Free Consultation: On HS codes, import/export duties, payment methods, import policies, efficient shipping solutions, and more.
Contract & Documentation Support: Guidance on trade contracts and related paperwork, plus free templates for contracts, invoices, and packing lists.

Unicorn Logistics prides itself on being a trusted partner in international freight forwarding, providing high-quality services backed by a dedicated and experienced team. We are ready to assist businesses throughout customs clearance, cargo release, and the import/export shipping process. With a professional, fast, and transparent workflow, Unicorn Logistics is committed to minimizing risks, optimizing costs, and enhancing logistics efficiency for our clients.
Contact for support:
Mr. Bắc (Eric) – Sales Director, UNICORN
📧 Email: Eric@unicornlogs.com
📞 Phone: +84 907 256 567