travel to japan by cargo ship

How to Travel to Japan by Ship

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Afraid of flying—or unable to fly—but still want to visit Japan? No problem! While you won't find rail or road links to this island nation, there are a number of ferries, freighters and cruises that can get you to Japan—if you're willing to take the time! Your optimal route just depends on where you start!

Related Article Travel by Train to Superb Sakura Viewing Spots

Shanghai, China — Osaka, Japan

http://www.shanghai-ferry.co.jp/english/shashin1.html

With a population of over 24 million, Shanghai is often considered the showpiece of China's economic explosion. Fittingly, there are two ferries operating between Shanghai and Osaka, Japan: the Su Zhou Hao and the Xin Jian Zhen . Whichever you choose, the journey takes roughly 45 to 46 hours, so it's no quick trip! The Xin Jian Zhen departs once weekly on Saturdays, docking in Osaka or neighboring Kobe on alternate trips (the travel time is about the same). The Su Zhou Hao departs Shanghai on Tuesdays and docks exclusively in Osaka. One-way costs for both ferries are the same, ranging from RMB 1,300 (¥20,000) for second class to RMB 1,600 (¥25,000) for first class—or RMB 6,500 (¥100,0000) for VIP. Also be aware that there's a fuel surcharge of RMB 150 (¥2,000). Round-trip fares are also available for all ferries listed here. Related Article All About Osaka

Vladivostok, Russia — Sakaiminato, Japan

http://en.go-to-japan.jp/daisenguide/dbscruiseferry/

Home to Russia's largest port on the Pacific, Vladivostok lies just east of Russia's border with China and North Korea. DBS Cruise Ferry operates a single ferry that departs every Wednesday for Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, making a stop in Donghae, South Korea, on the way. It's 19 hours from Vladivostok to Donghae, then (after a 9-hour layover) a further 15 hours to Sakaiminato. One-way tickets range from US$240 (¥24,000) for economy class to US$545 (¥55,000) for a junior suite in first class. You can also embark starting at Donghae for KRW 115,000 (¥9,500) to KRW 320,000 (¥26,500). Be aware that Sakaiminato is pretty far removed from Japan's bullet train lines, and it's about 3.5 hours on local express trains to the nearest Shinkansen station in Okayama. However, if you're open to an unconventional starting point, Tottori is an oft-overlooked gem, known as home to some of Japan's earliest human settlements, with Matsue Castle and the ancient shrine of Izumo located just to the west. Note that there was also once a ferry between Sakhalin Island and Wakkanai in Hokkaido, but it was suspended in 2018 , and it's unclear whether it will resume.

Busan, South Korea — Japan (Various)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=297&v=YTKRBMoFEUs

While the Vladivostok ferry stops in Donghae further north, all other ferries connecting Japan to South Korea depart from Busan, the nation's second-largest city, located on the southeast coast. Busan presents the fastest possible ferry ride to Japan, and there are a number of destinations available. Busan — Fukuoka JR Kyushu Jet Ferry operates the Beetle , a jetfoil that travels between Busan and Fukuoka (or specifically, Hakata) two to three times a day, with the first departure from Busan at 8:30 a.m. and the last between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs ¥14,000 one-way. Since Hakata is Kyushu's key hub for the Shinkansen (bullet train), for those arriving by ferry, it's an ideal starting point for exploring all of Japan. Another company, Korea Ferry Co., operates the Camellia Line between Busan and Hakata. A much slower ride, it departs Busan in the evening on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and arrives in Hakata the next morning, taking about 14 hours in the summer and 15 hours in the winter (departure is earlier from November to February). The one-way cost ranges from KRW 30,000 (about ¥3,000) for a four-bed cabin to KRW 110,000 (¥11,000) for a royal suite. Busan — Tsushima Tsushima is a large, scenic island halfway between South Korea and Kyushu, administered as part of Nagasaki Prefecture. The Beetle jetfoil leaves Busan for Hitakatsu Port on the island's northern edge once or twice daily, with the most regular departure at about 12:15 p.m. It costs ¥8,000 and takes about 70 minutes. Korea-based Miraejet operates the hydrfoils Kobee and Nina, which leave Busan at 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., respectively, taking about 70 minutes at a cost of ¥75,000 (¥7,500) to get to Hitakatsu. The website is Korean only, but the reservation widget is fairly straightforward. Just be aware that 편도 (top right) is "one way" and the first dropdown item at the bottom lists the number of adults. Note that Daea Express Shipping (also Korean only) officially offers a similar service on the Ocean Flower, including a route to Izuhara Port in the south of the island, but its reservation widget does not seem to deliver any results at the moment. Once you get to Tsushima, there are a number of ferry lines in addition to those listed above that can get you from the island and Kyushu proper. Busan — Shimonoseki Kampu Ferry operates the Hamayuu and the Seong Hee between Busan and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The ferry leaves Busan at 9 p.m. and arrives the next morning at 7:45. Prices range from ¥9,000 to ¥28,000, with a port facility charge of KRW 4,300 (about ¥430) and a fuel surcharge of KRW 7,000 (¥700). Busan — Osaka PanStar Cruise operates a cruise line that leaves Busan at 3 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, arriving in Osaka at 10 a.m. the next morning. Prices on the Korean side can be found here (Korean only), ranging from KRW 161,000 (¥16,100) to KRW 980,000 (¥98,000), plus a fuel charge of KRW 17,000 (¥1,700). Related Article The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/find-a-cruise.html#%7B!tag=destinationTag%7DdestinationIds=O&%7B!tag=embarkTag%7DembarkPortCode=&%7B!tag=departTag%7DdepartDate=&%7B!tag=durationTag%7Dduration=&=&start=0&soldOut=false&sort=departDate%20asc,price_CAD_a

If you'd like to make the trip to Japan by boat from North America or from other ports in Asia, you might need to sign on for an ocean cruise. Some focus on Japan, others on Asia in general, and still others will take you all around the world! Holland America Line sails out of Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. All cruises take at least 10 days and start just south of US$1,000 including taxes, fees and port expenses—and rise quickly. Possible ports of call in Japan include Kushiro, Hakodate, Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Naha, Ishigaki Island and many more. Royal Caribbean International has cruises to Japan out of Hong Kong, Shanghai and the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, including four-night cruises from Shanghai to Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima or Naha starting around US$630, and a seven-night cruise from Shanghai that stops in Osaka, Kobe and Yokohama for a little over US$1,000. Princess Cruises , on the other hand, offers a number of tours out of Taipei, including a three-day trip to Yokohama for a little over US$400. Other possible ports of call include Nagoya, Kobe and Naha. A convenient summary of cruises going to Japan can be found here .

Freighter Cruises

https://vimeo.com/185620936

Finally, you can take a freighter to Japan, or to a port that will allow you to connect to Japan—but expect an extremely slow ride. Maris USA offers a number of options on its Pacific and round-the-world routes, as you can book voyage segments for a daily rate of €130 to €150 (about ¥17,000 to ¥20,000) depending on the vessel and cabin style. For example, a 77-day tour out of Hong Kong stops in Shanghai and Busan within the first 10 days, but only hits Yokohama on day 70 on its way back from South America. However, you can board in Manzanillo, Mexico, and cross directly to Yokohama in a more reasonable 17 days. That said, if you do the math, that's actually more expensive and slower than the cheapest cruise ship out of Vancouver, but it does give you the option of staying in Japan as long as you like. Also note that the Mexico stop is the only direct shipping route between North America and Japan; all other options require a transfer to a ferry or cruise line at a port of call in Asia. Meanwhile, Freighter Expeditions offers cargo cruises from just about everywhere in the world, including Australia, Europe and Africa, but disembarkation is only possible at ports connecting to Japan—sadly, the only Freighter Expeditions tour stopping in Japan allows no embarkation or disembarkation in Japan itself. For a more general list of available freighter tours, you can check out the Slowtravel agency, which can hook you up with some of the aforementioned routes and more, including a freighter cruise through southeast Asia that incorporates the Busan-to-Hakata segment.

We hope this gives any aviophobes out there (or people who can't fly for other reasons) enough options to let you realize your dreams of coming to Japan! Bon voyage!

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Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

Freighter Travel Costs and Questions

Travel by Cargo Ship: What You Should Know about Freighter Travel

By R.F. Ahern, “The Freighterman”

LISTEN TO OUR FREIGHTER TRAVEL PODCAST EPISODE

Remember the old stories of adventurers who would hop a cargo ship to get to an exotic port of call, traveling like a sailor or Merchant Marine? Well, the good news is that it’s still possible. Travel by cargo ship continues to interest our most curious and intrepid readers.

Freighter Travel is Popular

You can travel from one port to another or around the world by freighter. It’s relatively inexpensive (compared to other cruise ships) and easy to do as more and more freighter companies come on board to offer passenger service.

Freighter Travel

Most freighters only have room for a limited number of passengers, and, while you won’t be bunking with the crew anymore, traveling by freighter is still enough of an alternative mode of transportation to keep regular cruise tourists standing in the buffet line.

Your accommodations will be quite adequate–sometimes even a reconfigured Captain’s berth! – and all your meals while at sea will be provided. But unlike a regular cruise ship, you won’t find an onboard disco or gambling casino.

On the other hand, you may have more than one-night playing cards with the crew or sitting quietly on the deck watching the stars. Some freight ships have swimming pools!

Check out these FAQs on freighter travel , provided by R.F. Ahern, “The Freighterman,” who has traveled around the world and then some by freighter ship. Then hop a freighter and sail the seven seas like a real voyager!

WHERE CAN I GO BY FREIGHTER?

You can travel from just about any major port in the world to any other port. Some freighters also go to places you’ve never even heard of. Most lines have regular routes and transatlantic crossings. Frequently you can catch a “tramp” that has no fixed ports of call. Americans cannot travel between one U.S. port and another. From South America to Asia, the ships cross all of the world’s oceans.

CAN ANYONE TRAVEL ON A FREIGHTER?

No. Usually, the upper age limit is 79, the lower is about 5 years. These upper and lower limits may vary from one shipping company to another. If you are over 65, you will generally be required to get a medical certificate from your physician certifying you are fit to travel. Pregnant women are usually not permitted.

If you have difficulty negotiating stairs, this will also preclude you from travel on a freighter. Since all of the passenger-carrying containerships are sailing under a foreign flag they are not subject to American laws requiring accommodation of disabled individuals

HOW LONG IS A FREIGHTER VOYAGE?

The average length of a freighter voyage is 40 to 50 days, though there are some shorter trips available last a couple of weeks. A roundtrip from the U.S. West Coast to Australia/New Zealand and return takes about 46 days. An around the world voyage lasts generally 80 to 100 days or more. Hong Kong China to Los Angeles USA, has an estimated average time between 18 to 20 days of transit port to port.

A westbound voyage from Los Angles, CA. to Hamburg , Germany is about 41 days.

CAN I TAKE A SEGMENTED CARGO SHIP TRIP?

Many people do not like to take a roundabout freighter travel voyage, having neither the time nor the money. Segmented trips are possible with a stopover in port for as long as you want. You can resume your voyage or fly home by plane. These kinds of voyages are popular with people who only have a couple of weeks to travel, and only want to spend some it at sea.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL ON A FREIGHTER?

Travel by freighter, the average cost of a voyage is just about $100.00 US per day, for a single person traveling in a single cabin. It is always more expensive for a single to book a double cabin and always cheaper per person for double occupancy of a double cabin.

There is an additional charge of about $262.00 for deviation insurance and a $12.50 customs charge per person departing or entering the country. Keep in mind that more than one owner/charter may have vessels on a given route. The fare charged by different owners on the same route can vary considerably. Shop around.

Historically, German owners have had a two-tier pricing system, with euro prices lower than the prices quoted in US dollars. If you want to convert euros to dollars, you can use a currency converter. I have been advised that American agents are striving for a single pricing system so that the cost of a voyage is exactly the same for a given ship, regardless of where the traveler calls home, or currency of payment.

HOW DO I BOOK A FREIGHTER VOYAGE?

Most travel agents do not book freighter voyages. You will have to book through an agent that specializes in freighter cruises or directly through the ship’s agent/manager. Remember that there may be voyages available that the travel agent is not advertising on the Internet or elsewhere. If you want to go on a particular voyage, ask the agent what they have available. Remember also that not all agents offer the same voyages.

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE MY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS?

Unlike an airline, you cannot call your travel agent on a Friday evening and expect to leave on Monday (except for hopping a Tramp Voyage–covered later). Allow several months to plan your trip. I usually start early in January to arrange for a mid-April departure. However, some routes are very popular and you may have to arrange for your voyage many months ahead of your desired departure date. While some freighters depart on exact date and time, others have a window for departure. Be flexible.

New offerings are becoming available every month, so it is possible you can schedule a trip on short notice, but it is better to plan far in advance. Remain flexible with your travel plans. I recently booked a voyage only to be notified the ship I was to board in Los Angeles had grounded and would be unavailable for more than a month after my planned departure date.

Luckily, I was able to hop another ship leaving a few days earlier than I had planned.

WHAT IS A FREIGHTER TRAVEL OPTION?

An option is a period of time within which the pre-payment of a portion of the cost of a voyage must be made. Once your travel agent tenders your voyage, your agent will ask for payment of $500.00, to be paid within a couple of weeks, if you live in the US, to secure your cabin. Full payment is due usually 60 days before the ship’s departure.

If you live in Europe it is customary to be required to make a deposit equivalent to 25% of the cost of the voyage. One agent told me that it is customary in some European countries for the agent to expect payment in full once you have contracted for a voyage, even if you are required to cancel the trip.

WHAT IS A TRAMP VOYAGE

Tramps are cargo ships that have no fixed schedule or ports of call; they go where the cargo is and drop it off where it’s supposed to go. Often, tramp voyages have passenger rooms and travelers can book them. The advantage is that you can get a cheaper voyage to a remote destination at the last minute.

The downside is that you might not be able to get away from that port until another tramp comes along. Tramp voyages are often listed in booking agency’s “Last Minute Specials.”

WHAT SIZE OF SHIP IS BEST?

Having traveled on small container ships (those carrying 1,000 or fewer containers, under 15,000 d.w.t. and about 485 feet) and large ones (4,500 containers or more, over 63,000 d.w.t. and 950 feet in length) I much prefer the former. Traveling on large ships is like being on a cruise ship. By this, I mean it is very stable. The majority of the time you are unaware of the fact that you are at sea!

So, if you like the feel of the sea, think small. Another potential disadvantage of a larger ship is the possibility that it may berth at a newer pier and thus, it may be inconvenient or far away to get from the ship to the port city (for example, the Port of Kaohsiung, Taiwan ).

Large ships obviously have larger engines. Accordingly, the engine air intakes, usually on the “A” deck, generate a lot of noise outside of the vessel. These large engines produce a lot of carbon discharge, making decks D and E, where passenger cabins are usually located, quite dirty.

Video: What’s It Like Inside a Cabin on a Freighter Ship?

CAN I WORK ON A FREIGHTER FOR ALL OR PART OF MY PASSAGE?

The answer is simple. NO! Sit back and enjoy the ride.

SO WHAT CAN I DO ON A FREIGHTER?

Remember, that a freighter is a working ship and passengers are secondary. Thus, there is no such thing as a cruise director or any planned activities other than watching a VCR or doing your laundry. But there’s plenty of time to read, get some sun, hang out on the bridge. What is life on board a freighter trip like? What is the daily routine?

Meals are something I looked forward to as they provided an opportunity for some interesting conversation with the ship’s officers. Some ships have pools, often below the main deck. One smaller container ship that I was on was only able to fill the pool half full to prevent the water from sloshing out in rough weather. Bring plenty of books or your Kindle filled with reading.

You can buy all the beer and hard liquor you want to mellow out, tax-free. But, don’t expect to find your favorite Scotch or Rye whiskey on board. Selections are limited, but there is enough booze on board to keep any hardcore alcoholic happy.

WILL I GET SEASICK?

Could be. Unlike cruise ships, there are no stabilizers on a cargo ship voyage. Accordingly, there can be a significant amount of pitch and roll, depending on the size of the ship, the amount of cargo, and the weather. Most of the time, waves do not exceed 15 feet (about 3 meters), usually less.

There are two things to remember about being seasick: You feel like you are going to die and then you realize that you won’t! As a general rule, the bigger the ship and the more cargo aboard, the smoother the “ride”. I recently sailed on the Cho Yang Atlas, a 965-foot, and 4,500 T.E.U. container ship and was not even aware of the fact that I was at sea.

CAN I BRING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES?

All ships have a 220-volt power supply. The U.S. standard is 110 volts. Accordingly, you should check to see if your computer, razor, radio, etc., have a 110-220V-option switch. If not, you will need a converter. If you are from the U.S., you will need a plug converter (square to round prongs, but you can usually find one on the ship). A small, portable, AM/FM/SW radio is nice to have along, so you can stay in touch with what’s going on in the world.

WHAT CAN I BUY ON-BOARD?

Cigarettes, beer, soft drinks, toothpaste, and the like. All transactions are in U.S. dollars, no checks, or credit cards; often the price of these items is quoted in the currency of the country of registry or vessel ownership, but there may be exceptions. There is no tax on items purchased on the high sea, however, the ship’s “slop chest” is locked while the ship is in port.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK TO WEAR?

It depends on where you are going and the time of year. Attire is very informal. Jeans, T-shirts, and shorts will work. Leave your coats and ties at home as well as any fancy dresses, unless you want to wear them ashore. Rubber-soled shoes (not boat shoes) are a must. Leather-soled shoes should be left at home. Since shoes are removed in all carpeted areas of the ship they should be easy to take on and off. This is important as often the deck is wet or has residue from the engine’s exhaust.

IS A FREIGHTER NOISY?

Not really, unless you like to hang out in the engine room. There is a much higher noise level than on a cruise ship, but, like vibration, it is minimal.

One exception is the noise generated by the engine intake fans located on the main deck or first deck. Engine exhaust noise is felt and heard on large ships, though not to the extent that it is annoying.

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN ABOARD SHIP?

English, but not necessarily American English. On my last cruise, the Belgian Captain spoke excellent English, but the Ukrainian officers had limited ability with English. Most of the Filipino crew had a decent command of the language.

WHAT ABOUT SHIPBOARD ETIQUETTE?

All members of the ship’s crew are addressed as “Mister” unless they tell you to call them by their first name. Do not go on the bridge without asking for permission. Usually, passengers have access to the bridge at all times.

The only exception may be during the period the harbor pilot is aboard. As you will be in an entirely new environment, it will take a few days to get a feeling for the ship and its crew.

It is a good idea to learn the name of all officers and crew (there are only 17-20) as soon as possible. It is also recommended that you learn a few words or phrases in the native language or languages of the crew members.

CAN I BRING MY PET?

No. However, you can ship your four or five favorite polo ponies from here to there in a container! Of course, the owner is required to have them accompanied by a trainer/keeper, and they will be subject to quarantine regulations.

WHAT ABOUT VISAS?

Check with your travel agent to be sure of the visa requirements of the various countries. Non-US citizens must have a visa to enter the United States by cargo ship. Australia requires a visa for all foreign nationals arriving by ship. Ditto for China , but not Hong Kong. The fact that you never leave the vessel is of no consequence. Most countries do not even bother to stamp your passport, though they do check it.

It has been my experience that the Captain will ask for your passport after you board and you may be invited to his cabin for a “chat” with immigration officials after docking, though in this is not the case in most large ports, such as Hong Kong.

Again, it depends on where you are going. No immunizations are required for travel between Europe, the U.S., Canada , and Australia. However, for the transit of either Panama or Suez Canal, you will need an inoculation for yellow fever and cholera. In the U.S., these will cost $50 to $60 each. To find physicians or clinics in your area, call your local Public Health Department. Your travel agent can advise you as to the inoculations you will require.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Plan what you are going to need on your voyage; bring a short wave radio, DVDs, reading material, a camera, or whatever. A laptop computer makes for a handy companion. The ship might have one available for your use, but don’t count on it.
• Once your ship leaves port, that’s it; there is no going back. Ships have many stairs and they are steep, so hold on at all times. A few have elevators. After a couple of days (weeks) you will get used to them (smile)
• When booking a cabin, get one as high as possible in the superstructure, assuming you have available options. If you do not, containers will block your forward view. Almost always cabins are outside with a view forward, port, or starboard; some have two views.
• Of course, the downside to higher cabins is that you will have to go down several flights of stairs to get to the officer’s mess, which is usually located on the poop deck (one deck above the main deck on ships not stowing containers aft of the superstructure) or the main deck. Usually, passenger cabins are on the fourth or fifth deck.
• Visit this great updated 2020 Freighter Travel site
• Tipping is optional. Other than the mess steward, there is no one to tip other than the cook, and then only if the food is exceptional. The steward may make up your bed and empty your wastebasket daily; then again, it might be only on a weekly basis, so tip accordingly, if at all.
• If you need information about shipping cargo, such as your car (in a container), household goods, etc., here is the place to start to get information. Cargo can be transported on the same vessel you travel on, however, you are probably better off shipping with the line usually used by the freighter forwarding company.

Freighter Travel in South America

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60 thoughts on “ Freighter Travel Costs and Questions ”

I was looking at a short trip from Brisbane Australia to New Zealand in the North Island/Auckland.,Tauranga in September..are there many options to do this and do I have time to do this?

“These faqs are helpful if you ask me. They answer all the questions that one might have, so I am delighted that I read all about these faqs and whatnot. “

Great info.,worth the read.

Do you know if there is any chance of me traveling w my Harley Davidson on a ship from eastern US to Panama or Costa Rica ?

You post is not originally this taken directly from Cargotravel.com

Travel by cargo ship with dog with cargoholidays. No. However, you can ship your four or five favorite polo ponies from here to there in a container! Of course, the owner is required to have them accompanied by a trainer/keeper, and they will be subject to quarantine regulations

How may I travel between US NY-NJ Ports and Iran Ports? any experience, recommendations, or guidance?

Very doubtful you can do this on a freighter. Too many restrictions plus Covid.

thanks for this article. Very helpful. Would love information about How to get to the US (east coast) from Sweden. (Im in Stockholm). Any freighters still leaving from Gothenburg to the US that accept passengers? or we have to find another out- port going across the Atlantic? thx Ewa

I am wanting to go Capetown SA from the US. I live in the Baltimore Washington area with that be possible

do they have ship longbeach to manila

can one take a dog/pet with you on a container ship? i am trying to find an alternative to putting my dog on a 24 hour flight.

No, you can’t bring any pets on a cargo ship. NO.

I think you need to be a little more clear. Maybe something like “the one I went on does not allow it” or “Its a standard that every single cargo ship I know of does not allow it”.

When I read your answer it makes me believe that your just saying no to the cargo ship you have been on and other companies may allow it. But then again I know less than you about this industry… in fact I know nothing.

Finding a cargo ship is the last effort I have before either giving up my 2 dogs or chartering a private jet just to move them to south America from the US. No airline will take them and you can not drive it.

“No, you can’t bring any pets on a cargo ship. NO.”

How could it possibly be any clearer that pets aren’t allowed on cargo ships?

The guy posting this article is an expert on cargo ships… and I think it’s pretty clear where he says: NO you cannot bring pets onboard the cargo ship. As for shipping your dogs via the airline, I’m not sure why it would be a 24 hour flight – can’t you put the dogs (per standard procedure) in the dog crate area of the plane, and be flying on that same flight, which will NOT take 24 hours?

what is the point travelling like this? This is the most expensive way, not cheap at all.

Hi I am looking for a cargo freighter to travel from South Africa to Australia with motor bike at the end of 2022?

Back in 1971 I took a cargo ship from South Africa to Australia with my BSA Bantam on which I actually ended up going round the world. i was allowed 40 cub.ft in the hold as accompanied ‘baggage’ and my bike was approx that size. It actually went in a room, never in a crate. And that was true of: Bombay to Mombasa; S. Africa to Australia; Australia to nZ; nZ to Singapore and Bangkok to Hong Kong. I was always a passenger. What the conditions are nowadays I know not. But good luck.

A FOURTY CUBIC FEET BSA BANTAM – Really? My ex-Bro-in-Law worked Tankeres as a Second Officer back in the day for SHELMEX in their first SUPER TANKERS and both my sister and sometimes his Mum and Dad travelled with him. I believe ‘the missus’ went free but Mum and Dad had to pay. My son was an Officer i the RAF for eight byears and I used to visit heim regularly [I was myself and ex-EArmourer Sergeant] for the odd weekend. Atbthe time [the late 90’s it cost nhim the princely sum for rather excellent Full Board and Lodgings for me from Friday Evening to Monday Morning ££5.00 aand bar prices wer about 1/5th and probably still are of normal Pub Prices. I monce went nto mthe Officers Mess New Years Eve Party. It had to be experienced to be believed – a WHOLE BLOODY FUNFAIR for starters. Talk about the AIR STAFF letting their hair down on the Bumper Cars!!!!

Are there any cargo ships taking passengers from Southern Africa to Australia?

Is it safe for a woman over age 60 for a voyager? Are most ports are safe to travel to during the day?

I have the same question and don’t see any answers

How reliable is the Satellite Hotspot? Is it safe for a woman over 60 to travel solo? How do you find out the layout of the ship before choosing the cabin?

No need to play the gender card. Everyone is welcome subject to their age limits, and if it wasn’t safe, they wouldn’t go.

Thank you for this article. I was especially interested in the difficulty of moving around the ship. As a former navy man I forgot just how hard it was to go up and down the stairs. At my current age, I do not believe I could do that much anymore. Too bad.

This was an interesting article. I recall a long time ago hearing about such methods of travel and must have just forgotten about it. I was just reminded in an old movie. There were a lot of good comments that answered some questions. I also watched the video of the fellow showing us his room. It looked quite adequate and not at all cramped. I’m 72 years old but I don’t look it and I’m in good physical condition. I did read that some of these companies do have age restrictions, and I can understand why. But going up and down some steep stairs isn’t an issue for me and I do swim every day in my pool. Getting a certificate for this from my doctor wouldn’t pose a problem. I have to say that taking a cruise on a regular cruise ship has had no appeal to me. I’ve watched videos and talked with family who do that and it’s just not something I want. They seem way too crowded and just not for me. I do however enjoy a nice Hindricks and tonic, smooth jazz, and interesting conversation. Those things seem to be plentiful on one of these ships. I would have to bring my own Hindricks (gin), my laptop, some reading material and maybe my Xbox. It all sounds much more interesting to me than the alternative. Going up on the bridge, conversations with the Captain and crew, that all sounds great. I’m glad I found this article.

Who or where can I get detailed info on what freighter ships offer this service from Los Angeles to Manila/Cebu Philippines? I don’t even know where to start. TIA for any info on this subject!

I’m in the same Boat, no pun intended. I want to go to the Philippines from either Portland Oregon, or Seattle Washington but can find no one who ships there. I cannot believe no vessels travel from Major US Ports such as Portland and Seattle. Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Thank You, Mike

HOW OLD is this article?? Its telling people to bring videotapes to watch and talked about the cost of film. How many people use a film camera anymore, 1 out of a hundred? Who has videotapes lying around?!?!

Yes, that story was published in 2000, but we have edited the copy so it’s been updated for 2021. Thank you, dear reader.

You are so polite to some of these commenters.

Many tnx for the response. Can you please update what online services like wifi and email are available???

Vickie and Paul say: what are you doing looking at cargo ship cruises? If that’s you… Please write. Paul

Hi I am looking for a cargo freighter to travel from Vancouver to China the shortest route cause I can’t take flight due to my conditions. Thanks

Hello Zoey, Did you make it from Vancouver to China by ship? I’m trying to do the same trip. Would like to know more.

Thank you so much!

I am hoping to travel from the Seattle area to Costa Rica on a cargo ship… can anybody tell me if the ports in Costa Rica are open now (August 2020) and how can I travel in one of these ships? Thank you for your help!

I had no idea that from Europe to the US, shipments can take about 41 days. Since we just started offering an online shipping option, I wonder if we should look into a contract with a port agent to help us get our products shipped without too much delay between getting an order placed. I would imagine it would be easiest to get a warehouse in the countries we will ship to and then fulfill orders from those warehouses.

Do cargo ships have internet access? Thanks

yes they almost always do. But it might be slow and it will cost money in most cases.

Hey R.F. Ahern and fellow boaters! Thank you for the article I really enjoyed reading it and I did not know that you can travel on a cargo ship! That’s really amazing. Me and my husband have a world travel vlog called Dawn Hunters where we post our sailing adventures and also tips for travelers (well, currently we are fixing our 1985 steel motorsailer, so there is much more boatyard adventures for now). I’ve just started special series for aspiring digital nomads and posted a video called Digital Nomad Series – How to Travel for Free and Get Paid – Hopscotch the Globe on a Boat about crewseekers so you might want to see the video if you are looking into boat travels – they have super cool and unexpected opportunities for cheap or even free travels on boats. They do NOT have cargo ships over there, but maybe not everyone here wants to go on one? Anyways I thought that might be useful for some people!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTpW5uIJE7E

Also would love to collaborate on the blog/vlog to make an interview or a podcast for some interesting “boaters” stories if you are interested – shoot us an email.

Thank you for sharing! Dawn Hunters

Wow, I never knew this! I wish I were not so prone to seasickness, this sounds incredible. I would definitely go for the experience, the opportunity to visit other countries and take in the sights and sounds, plus the operations of a cargo ship are seriously impressive.

I am trying to get to Southeast Asia from Saudi Arabia. I am trying to leave in May. Because of COVID the airlines are grounded. Is there anyway I can book on a cargo ship?

great site thanks for all the info. I am looking to go from Barcelona to USA May of 2021, thanks in advance for any help

I have read that one can’t go to Hawai’i, Alaska, or any of the US insular terretories (Guam, Northern Marianas, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, USVI), by freighter because US-flagged freighters don’t take passengers, and foreign-flagged freighters (try saying that three times fast!) are not allowed to take passengers (or cargo, for that matter) between US ports.

However, would it be possible to take a freighter to these places from a Mexican or Canadian port?

Not that I’m a professional traveler, but why pay over $4k to travel in less luxury, and for over a month? You could go an an actual cruise for that money, or if you’re purely looking to travel, fly for a whole lot less. Is it just for the experience?

JR, I think the appeal of freighter travel is that you don’t have to deal with the huge crowds on a regular cruise ship, if you just want time to write, think, look at the ocean and chill totally, that’s the attraction. Yes it’s costly because the cruises are longer!

Some of us hate to fly.

Outside of the mental/health appeal of slow travel, it is much more environmentally friendly (as freighters carry cargo regardless of passenger, so your journey is essentially carbon neutral). Additionally, it is more expensive than a flight, but you’re also paying for several days of lodging and food.

I think some people are “simple” and don’t want luxury or to be pampered. I learned a lot about myself and personality over the years. I hold multiple college degrees—including a post-graduate degree in business. However, I learned and realized that I am happiest and most satisfied working on blue collar skilled trade industries. I learned that I don’t like suits and ties. I don’t like snooty people. I don’t like all the pomp and circumstance of luxury. I enjoy being around everyday working people. I think it will always be that way no matter how much money I have. I feel out of place in luxury places, but I feel right at home around everyday people. I love quiet and having lots of reflection time. I wear working man’s jeans and work boots everywhere I go. I think that living with humility and humbleness makes me feel comfortable.

Are there often any medicines not allowed on freighters?

lookin to travel from Miami to Portsmouth any ideas of cost and travel time

What about wifi?

Forget about wifi!

If one must, one can always bring a satellite phone or a satellite modem. With a satellite phone you pay per minute. With a satellite modem you pay for data. Both can be expensive so I highly suggest you not use, say, a satellite modem to watch YouTube videos or Netflix, but you can do email or chat or even place a phone call via GooglePhone or free VoIP Calls top actual phone numbers via TextNow.com and you can link your laptop to it!! So, you don’t have to be fully off-line. Or you could, if you must, here’s a “low-cost” option: https://satellitephonestore.com/catalog/sale/details/iridium-go-252 No, I don’t work for them. lol -but it’s the type of thing I’ve seen. Good for emails and chat or iMessaging. Just don’t do big Powder Puff attachments. lol Enjoy!

Did the Satellite modem or phone work out as you expected? Is it reliable? Which part of the world did you travel to? Does the cargo ship has wifi for their staff or captain?

I’m planning on a move to Japan and would like to know what freight ship companies handle transit between the U.S. (Port of Seattle Washington) and Japan. Unlike people doing really early planning for a trip later in the year, I’m aiming to make my move in a very short period of time (1-2 weeks). My last concern is if there are any direct shipping routes between the U.S. and Japan. I’d prefer as direct as possible for the quickest trip. I’m certainly not worried about finances.

How can i travel from Toronto to india by frieght

Put your car on the ship. Then you get on. There you go.

I traveled from Japan to southern California in summer 1985. From the above article now in the age of Internet, it looks like you have to (1) find what cargo companies travel your routes, (2) contact each one to get availability/price/procedure, (3) take the trip!

How can I travel one way from the US on a cargo ship, and take my own car on the same ship? I’d like to travel from the north-east US coast (possibly New York,…) to a northern port in France, Belgium, Netherlands, or Germany.

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Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere , away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs. Alas, carriage of passengers on cargo ships is discretionary and since the pandemic available vessels are in sharp decline; we cannot speculate which routes or owners might accept passengers in future.

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How To Travel On A Cargo Ship To Japan

Travel Requirements

Traveling to Japan by cargo ship has specific requirements and considerations that should not be overlooked. Prior to booking passage, it is essential for travelers to obtain a valid visa for their destination country in order to gain entry upon arrival. A passport with tracking information, a detailed itinerary, and necessary vaccinations, including immunizations for yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis, should be acquired before departure.

Moreover, cargo ships often require travelers to carry all of their own supplies, such as food, clothing, and bedding. It is also essential to research any customs procedures specific to the port of departure as well as the port of arrival in Japan. It is recommended to bring all documentation for customs inspections, including documentation of the number of passengers, type of cargo, and the duration of the trip.

Travelling Comforts

The discomfort associated with traveling across sea can easily be alleviated by taking precautions and planning ahead appropriately. When embarking on a cargo ship, travelers should be cognizant of the rigors of sea travel, in order to be well-prepared. Taking motion sickness medication beforehand and having extra layered clothing are essential when embarking on a cargo vessel.

Additionally, in order to pass the moments of time while aboard the ship, travelers may opt to bring along books and other forms of entertainment. Bringing a laptop, an MP3 player, and ear plugs can easily help to reduce boredom while en route. Plus, for the duration of travel, travelers should bring enough cash to avoid any unwanted delays or complications upon reaching port.

Travelling by cargo ship may be a much slower pace of transport compared to other modes of travel, yet is an intriguing opportunity to experience the wonders of the sea. Cruise ships for cargo pass through many ports, allowing travelers to experience diverse cultures in the ports. Furthermore, otherwise difficult-to-reach and remote spots may be accessed by ship. Taking a cargo vessel to Japan is a unique and potentially very rewarding experience.

Moreover, one of the main benefits to travel by cargo ship is cost. While airfare and travel may become expensive, likely, travelers may find reduced costs by boarding a cargo ship as the cost of passage usually ranges from USD 700- 1500, providing a significantly more economic passage option.

Travel Tips

In general, when embarking on a cargo passenger ship, it is best to research what to expect from the journey, what supplies to bring, and what port laws are in place for the specific destination. To get the most from a trip, travelers should schedule departure at least two weeks prior to the planned travel date and ensure that any necessary paperwork is in order.

Additionally, researching the destination is key prior to embarking on a journey. Knowing the customs and cultures of the place before arrival is essential, although keeping an open mind when exploring wider cultures is important too. Along with that, travelers should always be alert and vigilant, taking necessary precautions in order to ensure the safety of oneself and others.

Travel Insurance

Before anyone embarks on a voyage, it is recommended to take out travel insurance specific to their trip. Travel insurance should prevent travelers from facing any financial or medical issues while overseas. It is essential to check for any exclusions in the policy as there are generally specific exclusions for passengers traveling by a cargo ship. As such, the availability of a comprehensive travel insurance policy should always be researched.

Obtaining coverage for trip cancellation, coverage in case of life-threatening illnesses or scenarios, as well as emergency medical and dental coverage are all highly recommended. Such coverage should also cater for the possibility of the ship delay entering port due to inclement weather, medical emergencies, or mechanical issues.

Considering the Destination

When planning a trip, it is important to consider other destinations that a ship may dock at prior to its arrival in Japan. Many cruise ships take routes through the South Pacific or around the coasts of Southeast Asia, India, and China. For this reason, it is a good idea to explore options which may offer short stops near other interesting places during the trip. Ultimately, taking a ship to Japan will be an experience like no other, as travelers can experience different cultures, cuisines, and sights, while also being able to save cost.

Nancy Weiner

Nancy A. Weiner is an experienced journalist and author specializing in Japan. She is a published author of several books and articles about Japanese culture, history and politics. She has also been a featured guest speaker at many international conferences on Japanese culture, politics and education.

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How to: Travel by Cargo Ship

Article updated on Sunday, September 10th, 2017.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED a collection of brown leather trunks with brightly colored stickers from all the world’s corners. They remind me of travelers in the early 1900s who spent days on the ocean in order to reach their destinations. Back then, arriving at the destination was as much a part of the trip as the destination itself.

• Taking a cargo ship to Southeast Asia? Here’s all the gear for backpacking Southeast Asia.
• Taking a cargo ship to Latin America? Here’s all the gear for trekking in Latin America.

So when I needed to get from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to France I asked myself, “is it still possible to travel by boat?” There are, after all, still cargo ships that carry everything from automobiles to antiques over the ocean, so why couldn’t I just hop on one myself and enjoy an ocean voyage? A few months later I was on a CMA-CGM cargo ship headed from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dunkerque.

Note that if you are having your car shipped overseas and wonder if it were possible to travel with your vehicle and save a little money while having a fun experience, it is well worth asking the cargo line whether they offer passenger rooms on their ships.

Traveling on a cargo ship is very much possible, and while it isn’t considered a luxury cruise, it is still a great way to travel — even at a cost of roughly $100 USD daily, it is worth the time to find a spot on a ship.

My nine days on the Atlantic included gourmet French food, duty-free Porto, and hours spent mesmerized by the blinking lights of the GPS. Yes, you can still travel to many locations in the world by boat. It was by far one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

Here are some pointers for researching and planning your own adventure on the high seas:

1. What exactly is traveling by cargo ship?

Most of the major global shipping lines including CMA-CGM offer paying passengers an opportunity to hop on one of their lines. As a paying passenger, you are accommodated in guest cabins and have access to most areas of the ship.

Cargo ships have a limited number of rooms for passengers, so be prepared to start planning your ventures, and book the trip at least 6 months in advance to ensure you have a spot on the ship. Your fare will usually include port fees as well as meals and your room.

Captains and crew spend a lot of time on the water, and they are usually happy to have a fresh face walking around their workplace, meaning that they may even invite you to eat with them, give you tours of the ship and maybe even have you over for an Officer’s happy hour.

2. Where can I go?

You can travel almost anywhere by cargo ship.

The global shipping industry is huge, and many ports like New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Sydney welcome several ships daily.

Shipping companies have certain lines covering specific routes, and many of them will allow you to buy a ticket for one of these lines and disembark and board as you please if there is a ship leaving on your chosen day. Just remember to book your passage in advance because you can’t just show up at a port to jump on a ship on a whim.

A word of advice to the cargo ship traveler, be flexible. Schedules can, and very often do change and when that happens, you will need to hop on and off more than one ship during the trip.

This is often how round the world routes work: book your freighter ticket and then plan in a few weeks in every major port. With freighters, the possibilities for your adventure are almost endless. Just think: anywhere global commodities are shipped are places that you can disembark and spend time soaking up the local culture before re-boarding.

3. What will it cost?

A common misconception is that if you are willing to spend an extended amount of time on open water you can score an inexpensive mode of transportation to your next travel destination.

Traveling as a passenger on a cargo ship is, in fact, more expensive than your average airfare. But before you scoff at the price — plan on an average price of $80-140/day — consider this: your ticket pays for room, meals, and experiences that cannot be had anywhere else.

The days where a person could work for their passage are long gone. The cargo lines will not allow you to work your way across the Atlantic just so you can have a free trip overseas. You will, however, get to meet crew members and will most likely find yourself spending a great deal of time getting to know many of them when they take a break or have some time off to relax a little.

4. Life on a ship

As a passenger, you are surrounded by the everyday life of the vessel and her crew. Schedules revolve around meal times, which can be extravagant events depending on the chef.

If you are a gourmet traveler, consider traveling with one of the French companies which are known for their high-quality cuisine and table wine.

Besides meals, the rest of the day is spent as you please. Make your way up to the bridge and chat with the captain about sea navigation or schedule a tour with the head mechanic to see the vessel’s impressive technical insides. Officers on cargo ships are often willing to show you how things work to keep the ship afloat and to keep things safe.

You will quickly find that the freighter environment is a rough but enjoyable one; think lots of steel and salt water. Before the evening meal, meet for a pre-dinner drink with your co-passengers in the guest lounge area and discuss the events of the day.

You may think that a week on open water can give you a case of cabin fever, but a slower pace of life can be much welcomed and enjoyable.

There is something to note about health and fitness levels when traveling on a cargo ship. Because these ships usually do not have a doctor on board, you should be healthy and fit enough to take on such a voyage. This is a safety precaution as the ship wouldn’t want anyone being injured or in need of medical attention and be at sea without a doctor to help.

5. Planning

So you’ve decided that freighter travel is for you, what now? Do your internet research, there are several websites maintained by individuals seduced by traveling on the high seas with great tips and long lists of different routes around the world.

Go to the websites of the freighter companies and send them an email asking about passenger fares. Another option is travel agencies that specialize in freighter travel like A la Carte Freighter Travel based in Montreal.

Some helpful websites to get you started:

• https://www.freightercruises.com/
• http://www.hamburgsued-frachtschiffreisen.de/en/freightertravel/index.jsp

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Travelling by Cargo Ship

Article for mature and senior travellers on who to travel using the network of cargo ships to reach your destination.

2 Feb 21 · 6 mins read

For people who don’t want to travel by air–either due to phobia, budget concerns, specific travel needs, or environmental mindfulness–travelling by sea on a ship is a viable option. Reducing carbon footprint is also a top of mind concern for many travellers due to the climate emergency . According to Emine Saner on The Guardian, flying contributes 2% to global carbon emissions, and climate and environmental activists are looking at other modes of transportation, such as travelling by train or ferry, noting the hypocrisy in calling for personal responsibility regarding the environment only to jump on a plane or a private jet. The New York Times reports that a single passenger’s share of emissions on a US cross-country flight (New York to Los Angeles) can melt 32 square feet (roughly 3 square metres) of Arctic sea ice. As we’ve written before , there has been a growing “ no-fly movement ” made up of people who are aiming to reduce the number of flights they take, or to shun air travel altogether.

While some travel by cruise ship for leisure and luxury, many travellers are discovering an equally carbon-saving but cheaper way of maritime travel: travelling by cargo ship. In this article, we will look closer at this unique travel experience, and how this kind of cruise travel can be a boon for the environment.

Becoming a Passenger on a Cargo Ship

Do cargo ships even carry passengers? You’d be surprised. Cargo shipping is a globalised industry , responsible for 90% of transportation of goods worldwide. Each massive ship– some bigger than an aircraft carrier –carry cargo, goods, and materials for hundreds of businesses from around the world and stop at several ports in different countries. These vessels carry anything from garments to motor vehicles , and keep them in thousands of the stacked multi-coloured freight containers we are familiar with.

Tucked in between these containers are a handful of cabins for the crew, but some cargo ships host a handful of passengers. According to Will Vibert, writing for the Guardian , shipping companies sell space through travel agents, and since travelling by cargo ship is still a niche mode of travel, “ships rarely have room for more than a dozen passengers”. Travel agencies that offer this service stress the importance of booking early, as early as six months in advance even , as some ships may have as few as two cabins available for passengers.

Flexibility Is Key

Passengers are also enjoined to be near the destination of embarkation a few days before the date of departure. According to Vibert, this flexibility is important, as his own ship ended up leaving three days earlier than expected; if he had not been in the area, he would have missed his ship. On the other hand, Kajsa Fernström Nåtby, talking to Wired , said she had to stay in New York City for a few more days as her first voyage was cancelled. The port of call may also change, depending on the cargo the ship is carrying.

Passengers up to 80 years of age may travel, but check first

The ticket price include accommodation and all meals, as well as the port fees, and is about half the price of a cruise ship . Passengers up to 80 years of age may go on a cargo ship cruise, but do check with the travel agent first, as well as your healthcare provider. Travel insurance is a must, and some immunisations (such as yellow fever injection) may also be required. Passengers must also have a valid passport with at least six (6) months validity.

Cargo Ship Amenities

As you will be travelling on a working ship, during cargo ship travel you will be engaging with the ship’s captain and crew. A passenger cabin on a cargo ship may not have the same luxurious amenities as in the one you’ll find on a cruise ship, but the utilitarian space is comfortable and spacious enough, with a private toilet and shower, a desk, and a view of the ocean .

However, if you do want those hotel-like amenities, some cargo ships, such as France-based CMA CGM Amerigo Vespucci, have a library and a gym, and serves gourmet meals. A traveller, Thor Pedersen, also reports being once offered the “owners cabin”, which included a huge living room . Pedersen has visited 122 countries by cargo ship from 2013 to 2016.

Spending Time on A Cargo Ship

While you can zip from Australia to the other side of the world in a matter of hours on a plane, travelling by cargo ship is much, much slower. Travelling to Sydney to the West Coast of the United States (Oakland, California) will take 25 days , for example. What do you do with all that time? Unlike a regular cruise, your trip on a cargo ship will not include planned entertainment, such as stage shows or live music. On the plus side, you also do not need to deal with a huge crowd.

Many people who decide to go on a cargo cruise desire this slow and quiet way of travelling, allowing them plenty of time to think, read, write, listen to music, or enjoy other hobbies that do not require internet connection. The cargo ship will likely only have a satellite phone and no internet access, and if it does have internet access, it will be limited and only available on a shared computer.

As a passenger in desperate need for a digital detox puts it , “My screensaver was now the restless Pacific.” Passengers play chess or card games with the crew, walk on the deck for some ocean air, complete jigsaw puzzles, watch DVDs, or watch the sunset.

The journey also offers valuable insight into the life of a cargo ship crew member. It goes without saying that the crew is there to work and not entertain, but they will be welcoming, and you can enjoy conversations with them while you take your meals together. You may also disembark with the crew during port calls or shore excursions. The stop at each port can be 12 hours or longer, and you can use this time to buy the supplies you need ashore . (Note that some ships do not allow alcohol on board.)

Some captains may be amiable enough to welcome you to the bridge (the platform from where a ship is commanded) or show you the engine room and other working spaces, allowing you to be a firsthand witness to how the various instruments work and how a cargo ship is run.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

In terms of limiting your carbon footprint, travelling by cargo ship is a carbon-responsible way to do it. While older ships may emit more carbon dioxide for every kilometre per ton of cargo (up to 15 grams), newer ones average only three (3) grams . The International Maritime Organisation, which regulates shipping, announced in April 2018 that it aims to halve emissions from by 2050 , with Maersk, the world’s largest shipping company, announcing that it aims to reduce emissions to zero by that year. Despite these promises, experts are not impressed, as neither the IMO nor Maersk have released information about how exactly these goals will be achieved.

Meanwhile, a Dutch company has launched the world’s first 100-percent electric barges, which it hopes will be a viable emissions-free option for global shipping–and for passengers keen to experience this memorable mode of travel.

Odyssey Traveller does not offer cargo ship tours, but we regularly use public transport on Odyssey tours, and our small group size makes us nimble enough not to block local access. This eases congestion caused by large tourist buses, reduces local air pollution, and makes for authentic experiences on the ground. Furthermore, our fares contribute to local services rather than tourist companies. Odyssey Traveller also has tours with sections where we travel by railway , such as Mongolia and Russia by Train, also an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling. We also have plenty of walking tours that you can join.

For more information on our style of adventure, you can read our previously published articles:

Practising Responsible Travel

Problem of overtourism.

• Why join a small group tour?

Advice for Mature-Aged Solo Travellers

• Women’s Walking Shoes
• Selecting Shoes and Socks
• Trans-Siberian Railway Travel Advice

Odyssey Traveller has a Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with us. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member, please see this page .

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, do explore our website. Alternatively, please call or send an email. We’d love to hear from you!

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Japan relies on imports for most of its natural resources. Crude oil is shipped from the Middle East, iron ore from Australia and Brazil, and coal from Australia and Indonesia by cargo ships. Then, what kind of route and how long do these cargo ships sail from such loading port to Japan? In this blog, we will look at the route, speed, and navigation days of cargo ships.

Miles and Knots

In the world of ships, the nautical mile *1 has long been used as a unit of distance, and the knot as a unit of speed. These units are convenient for ship navigation, where one nautical mile of sailing distance is equal to one minute of the Earth's latitude. In other words, as shown below, 1/60 of the 1/90 distance from the North Pole to the equator is one nautical mile (1,852 meters).

Therefore, if a ship heads north in the Northern Hemisphere and sails until Polaris rises 1 degree, the ship’s latitude increases by one degree and has traveled 60 miles to the north. Also, one knot of sailing speed corresponds to one mile per hour. If there is a ship sailing north at 10 knots, it will travel one degree of latitude (equivalent to 60 miles) in 6 hours, and it will go around the earth in 2,160 hours (90 days) theoretically. *1 The nautical mile and the statute mile used on land are different units, and the Statute Mile is 1,760 yards per mile (about 1,600 meters).

Great Circle and Rhumb Line

Let’s consider a voyage from Los Angeles on the west coast of the United States to Tokyo. In this case, the shortest route between Los Angeles and Tokyo is called the Great Circle (solid line in the map below), and the route navigating in a constant heading is called the Rhumb Line (dashed line). The distance between these 2 points is approximately 4,800 miles on the Great Circle and 5,100 miles on the Rhumb Line respectively.

To shorten the voyage, it is preferable to navigate along with the great circle. However, in order to navigate along the Great Circle, it needs to adjust the heading of the ship continuously as the voyage progresses. Even at sea, where you can’t see any land, latitude can easily be determined by the height of Polaris. On the other hand, it is a complicated story to identify the longitude, and if you misplace the position of your ship, you will wander around the Pacific Ocean. For this reason, in an era when it was difficult to identify the exact position of the ship, the Rhumb Line was widely used to reach destination by maintaining the compass on a constant heading (about 270 degrees in this case). Today, the position of the ship can be easily identified using GPS, etc., the Great Circle is commonly used, which goes up to around 50 degrees north of the Pacific Ocean after leaving Los Angeles. If there is a container ship navigating at 20 knots, it arrives at Tokyo in about 240 hours (10 days), which is 4,800 miles divided by 20 knots. *2 In the actual voyage, the best route is chosen considering various factors such as weather conditions, sea conditions, tidal currents, etc., besides navigation distance.

Crude oil -from the Middle East to Japan-

Let’s see the transport of crude oil from the Middle East to Japan, sailing from the port of Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia to Tokyo Bay. In this case, it is not possible to connect the two points by a great circle, the tanker leaving Ras Tanura in the Persian Gulf would pass through the Strait of Hormuz, enter the Indian Ocean, pass through the straits of Malacca and Singapore, and sail through the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo Bay.

The navigation distance on this route is approximately 6,600 miles, so the crude oil tanker navigating at 14 knots would require about 470 hours (19.5 days). In fact, most of the crude oil shipped from the Middle East to Japan is imported by very large crude carriers, known as VLCCs, which take about 20 days each way, 45 to 50 days per voyage, including the time required for loading and unloading. The 300,000 tons of crude oil, imported from the Middle East by the VLCC, is equivalent to about 12 hours of Japan's oil demand and is refined into gasoline and various other petroleum products at oil refineries.

For more information on the size of VLCCs, click here, How large is the Very Large Crude Carrier?

Iron ore -from Brazil to Japan-

Next, Let’s see the route to transport iron ore, a raw material for steel products, from Brazil to Japan. Since Brazil locate almost on the other side of the globe from Japan, there are four possible routes: Westbound: ① via Panama Canal, ➁ via Cape Horn Eastbound:   ③ via Suez Canal, ④ via Cape of Good Hope

The shortest route is ①, which passes through the Panama Canal and navigates the Great Circle to Japan. However, this route is not chosen for iron ore shipment due to the limited size of ships that can pass through the canal and the high cost of canal tolls. Route ➁ requires passing through the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn, the southern tip of South America, and Antarctica. However, the Drake Passage locate beyond 55 degrees south and has long been known as one of the worst waters due to the year-round storms, high waves exceeding 15 meters, and strong currents, and this route is not chosen commonly. When considering an eastbound voyage from Brazil, the route through the Suez Canal in ③ would not be an economical route, just like the Panama Canal, considering the ship size restrictions and the canal tolls. Therefore, when transporting iron ore from Brazil to Japan, the route via the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa in ④ is commonly chosen, and the navigation distance will reach around 12,000 miles each way (almost 40 days at 13 knots). On this route, which takes almost 3 months for a round trip, including the days required to load and unload the cargo, ships are becoming larger to improve transport efficiency. And a super-large iron ore carrier called Vale Max, which can intake 400,000 tons of iron ore at a time, has been introduced.

Comparing airplanes and ships

The speed of a cargo ship is strongly affected by weather conditions, sea conditions, tidal currents, and it may be intentionally increased or decreased depending on the economics of the voyage. But, generally say, it is around 20 knots (37 km/h) for container ships a relatively fast cargo ship and 12-15 knots (22-28 km/h) for large cargo ships carrying iron ore or oil. Airplanes, on the other hand, can transport cargo much faster than ships, but cannot compete with ships in loadable quantity. The Boeing 747-8 Freighter, a large cargo aircraft, can cruise approximately 560 knots, which means the navigation time between Saudi Arabia and Tokyo will be 8 hours (1/60 of that of a VLCC) using the Great Circle (4,500 miles). However, the loadable quantity is reduced by approximately 140 tons *3 , which is 1/2000 of that of a VLCC. *3 from Boeing website.

Boeing 747 -8 Freighter (Source: Wikipedia)

Then, aircraft will be the best mode of transportation when delivering speed is critical, and a ship is the best mode when mass and low-cost transportation is required. MOL offers a variety of transport modes, including air and land in addition to ocean transport, to meet the transport need of all customers. MOL's logistics network has expanded to 239 locations in 123 cities in 26 countries around the world. We offer a wide variety of services such as air and ocean freight forwarding, trucking, customs clearance, warehousing, inspection, heavyweight and oversized cargo transport, and buyers' consolidation, by taking advantage of the distinctive logistics services of our group companies such as the MOL Logistics Group, UTOC Corporation, and MOL Consolidation Service.

Logistics | Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (mol.co.jp)

In 2015, MOL established "MOL Project & Heavy Cargo" as a unified brand to meet a broad range of needs in heavyweight and oversized cargo transport. MOL provide not only optimal transport, which covers various ship types, but also one-stop services including vanning, coastal and land transport, customs clearance, assembly, and installation.

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Crossing the Pacific – My Cargo Ship Travel Experience

What is it like to be a passenger on a cargo vessel? Here’s all you need to know about cargo ship travel across the Pacific Ocean.

Flying is not the only way to travel long distances. For example, the Trans-Siberian railway can take you from Europe to the Eastern parts of Asia within a week. And not even water will force you to board a plane: if you want, you can catch a ride on a ship across any of the world’s oceans.

I recently traveled from New Zealand to United States as a passenger on a cargo ship. Whether you’re taking a cargo vessel from United States to New Zealand / Australia or the other way around, cargo ship travel can be a great way to cross the Pacific Ocean.

Further reading:  How Long Does It Take a Cargo Ship to Cross the Pacific? 

The view out from my cabin window. A room with an ocean view, imagine that!

Why Should You Cross the Pacific on a Cargo Ship?

Crossing the Pacific Ocean on a freighter ship is completely possible. But why should you do it?

For some people, the reason is flightless travel. Some of these travelers want to avoid the excessive CO2 emissions of flying. Unlike cruising, traveling as a passenger on a cargo ship is considered mostly CO2 neutral . When a freighter ship carries thousands of tons of cargo, having a few extra cargo ship passengers doesn’t affect the total emissions that much.

Other people might just enjoy new experiences and the slow way of travel. For me, my reason for cargo ship travel across the Pacific Ocean was a mix of both. I don’t strictly avoid flying, but I try to keep my carbon footprint small. I also like the sense of distance that flightless travel gives me. And after all my rushing around the globe, the idea of staying still for 16 days on a cargo ship across the Pacific sounded absolutely wonderful.

Traveling on a container ship is much more luxurious than many imagine. My fancy cabin had two rooms and a private bathroom.

There are many good reasons for cargo ship travel, but the price of cargo ship travel isn’t one. Although many people believe otherwise – hopeful phrases like “travel by cargo ship for free” are quite popular on Google – cargo ship travel is not cheap.

Traveling on a cargo ship for 16 days cost me about 2500 euros (meals included), making the journey the most expensive thing I’ve paid on this trip – or ever before it. The same trip in a smaller cabin would have cost 2200 euros, but only a two-room Owner’s Cabin was available when I booked my cargo ship travel experience.

You can explore the the ship quite freely during daylight. However, you need to tell the officers every time you leave (and return to) the “accommodation tower”.

How to Cross the Pacific on a Cargo Ship

See Also: How to Prepare for Traveling on a Cargo Ship?

How can you arrange cargo ship travel? Unfortunately the days of working on a ship for passage are practically over. You need to be a passenger – and you need to book your freighter trip well in advance. I used a travel agency from New Zealand called Freighter Travel . Hamish from Freighter Travel was extremely helpful and even saved me when I wasn’t allowed to board my plane to New Zealand , so I can give him my highest recommendations.

For other booking options, the website FlightlessTravel.com has a great guide on how to arrange cargo ship travel.

If you want to cross the Pacific as a passenger on a cargo ship, your options for ships and routes are somewhat limited. Only some companies and container ships take passengers. The starting points and destinations for container ship travel across the Pacific Ocean are also scarce. Ships only travel between popular ports, so getting to less wealthy countries like Mexico or Vietnam is much harder than, say, the United States or Australia.

Our cargo vessel spent a night at the Port of Tauranga, New Zealand. If your cargo ship makes stops during your trip, you can often leave for the shore for a while.

On the East shore of the Pacific Ocean, popular departure and arrival points include Oakland and Los Angeles in California as well as Panama in Central America. Many ships even pass through the Panama Canal to the East Coast of the United States!

In the West of Pacific, Singapore, Sydney and Tauranga (New Zealand) are some of the most popular starting points, although there are other options, too. South Korea, Japan and many other countries on the coast have cargo ships coming and going.

Most cargo ships that travel from Australia to United States make a stop in Tauranga. Cargo ship travel from Australia to New Zealand takes about a week, and the Tasmanian Sea often has a stormy weather. If you want a shorter experience with less risk of bad weather, you might just want to begin your cargo ship voyage to America from New Zealand.

At least that’s what I did.

“Take good look Tauranga, Mr. Arimo. Next 15 days not see much land”, our captain said to me.

My Experience of Crossing the Pacific on a Cargo Ship

July 11th, 2017. I stood on the deck of cargo vessel MV Cap Capricorn and watched as the coastline of New Zealand got smaller and smaller. Our captain, friendly Romanian called Mihail told me to take a good look, reminding me that I wouldn’t see much (read: any) land in a long while. It would take us 10,000 kilometers and 16 days to travel from New Zealand to California on a cargo ship.

So, what is it like to be a cargo ship passenger?

If I had to describe my cargo ship travel experience with one word, it would be stress-free. The lack of proper Wi-Fi (satellite internet doesn’t work very well and it costs fortunes) meant that I could leave all my real life worries and responsibilities on the shore. I ate the meals with the captain and the other officers, but otherwise I had no schedule to follow. I mostly spent my days reading, writing and playing old video games.

One evening our captain held a BBQ dinner at the deck. Sunset, great food and good company – I’m not complaining!

The lifeboat of our cargo vessel. The emergency procedures were practiced regularly.

My biggest challenge was waking up for the breakfast. This proved to be surprisingly difficult as we crossed to a new time zone every few days. Heading east, I had to wake up an hour earlier every time we moved the clock. As I didn’t do any sort of exercise, I didn’t get very tired. After the first week, I would often wake up for breakfast but go back to sleep afterwards.

In a way, cargo ship travel feels like a childhood holiday. You know, the kind of lazy vacation where your only responsibility is joining your family for dinner – except your family is replaced by the officers and possible other passengers (our ship had two of us). And it’s not your family home, but a huge ship that slowly makes its way across the ocean.

It’s very unlikely that you see any whales or other strange creatures out on the open water. Even spotting a few birds in the middle of nowhere was a rare and special event.

Life on a Cargo Vessel

Cargo ship travel might sound boring to some, but I really enjoyed my time crossing the Pacific on a cargo ship from New Zealand to the United States. I would often go to the deck to stare at the view, curiously following how the ocean and the sky changed their faces each day. My favourite sight was seeing miniature rainbows form on the spatter of the waves. (I tried taking photos of the phenomenon, but I had no success.)

Being a passenger on a freighter vessel is much more comfortable than many people think. I had my own, cosy cabin. The food was always delicious, and our captain really made sure I enjoyed my stay. I didn’t even need to worry about getting seasick – we had such a great weather that if I didn’t pay any attention to the vibration of the engine, I could almost forget that I was on a ship.

All movies about  sea travel show perfectly clear night skies. After witnessing sixteen somewhat cloudy nights in a row, I’m starting to believe we’ve been fooled.

In fact, my biggest worry was that my cargo ship travel experience would eventually end. Without an internet connection, I got very productive. I finished a new draft of a novel manuscript I had not touched in six months . I read tons of great books. I played a couple old Super Nintendo video games I had wanted to try for a long time. I even watched Titanic for the first time in my life!

Although you mainly create your own entertainment, there are a few services available on board. Our ship had a tiny gym, although I never used it. I got my only exercise when I used the stairs or went for walks on the lower deck of the ship a few times. The ship also had a video game console as well as movies and books on the free time lounges of the officers and the crew, but I never used them, either. I had enough means to keep myself busy during my cargo ship experience without them.

Land ahoy! We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge to get to the Port of Oakland, California.

Landing in the USA

After sixteen days of cargo ship travel from New Zealand to USA, the coast of California finally appeared on the horizon on July 26th. I had seen just a few birds during the last two weeks, but now several seagulls joined us. Even a couple whales came to play on the surface near our ship!

As we approached California, the ocean and the sky started to look different. When we got closer to the shore and entered more shallow water, the sea lost its hue of deep blue. The clouds in the sky also looked different because the air behaved differently above the land.

When we left the Port of Tauranga in New Zealand, one of the last things I could see was Mount Maunganui, one of the most popular sights of Tauranga. At the end of my cargo ship travel experience, I was greeted by an even more famous landmark: the Golden Gate Bridge. As we passed under the bridge, the clouds rolled away from above us and we got to see San Francisco at its most beautiful. Welcome to the USA!

Blue da ba dee da ba daa!

Is Cargo Ship Travel Worth It?

Would I recommend traveling as a passenger on a cargo vessel for others? Sure – if the price is not a problem. Flying is cheaper and faster than sea travel, but the cargo ship experience can be very unique. I truly enjoyed my cargo ship travel experience and if money’s not an issue, I’d like to experience cargo ship travel again in the future.

Of course, cargo ship travel is not super exciting and there won’t be much going on in the ship. You probably won’t see any exotic animals or islands along the way, so you’ll just stare at an empty ocean every single day. Still, there’s something very captivating about standing on the deck, knowing there’s no land in sight for thousands of kilometers in any direction…

Or who knows, maybe the best part was being offline and not following the world news for over two weeks?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arimo Travels (@arimotravels)

Tell Me More!

Arimo Travels is a sustainable travel blog by Arimo, a mostly traveler from Finland. The site focuses on sustainable travel guides and randomness.

20 comments

Interesting post. I am curious if all your meals are included in the 2500 euros?

Yes, all the meals are included! 🙂 Glad you asked, I added that information to the post so no-one else needs to wonder.

Thanks for sharing your adventure Arimo! It’s an experience a lot of “merchandise” has, but not one very many “people” have.

Interesting that it was MORE expensive than air travel! From the Rob Long cargo ship story I think I told you about, he made it seem that the cargo ship pricing was quite modest and much less than air travel!?

You’re welcome Glenn! 🙂 I’m surprised that Long’s trip was so cheap. Of course, the price seems a less high if you compare it to flying + 16 nights in a hotel + eating in a restaurant three times a day.

I know Hamish here in Napier. I was lucky to cross the pacific by helping on a ship from Los Angeles to Sydney to Bridbane to Fiji. After having wondered this little world for the last four and half years. It was called “work your passage” but these words today have a different meaning to 1982. A group of 4 (all not know each other) ended up on the NAD Lyllitop (?spelling) the third biggest rollonoff-rollon ship in the world then.

Sounds like a wonderful journey! 🙂

i’m also very happy to hear that you know Hamish. Although I haven’t met him personally, he came across as a very kind and understanding gentleman during our email correspondence. If you have a chance, you can say my thanks for him!

(Even if he wouldn’t remember my name, he’ll surely remember the case of me being stuck in Tonga when I wasn’t allowed to board my original flight to New Zealand! Hamish really worked hard to help me on that one!)

Hi, i am considering traveling to S America via freight travel. It will be one way because i plan to move there, so that permitted? Also i will be brining a lot of stuff. What is the processes of bag check? And when i arrive at the port im exiting, whats the luggage process there? I look forward to giving it a try because i love sea living! Hope to hear back!

Hi Adam, sounds like a wonderful plan! 🙂

On my trip, there was actually no bag check at all on either end 😀 But don’t trust that to be the norm. I don’t know how much is the maximum, but having a few bags shouldn’t be a problem.

As long as your visa is in condition and you meet other requirements for entry, one-way trip should be fine!

Nice. Travelling in cargo ships provides you an amazing experience. There are generally no peak or off peak prices as there are not a lot of cabins to fill. Thanks for sharing your experience.

You’re welcome! 🙂

How do you book this? It sounds terribly boring, yet completely fascinating at the same time. I don’t know if I would be able to handle this.

Haha, “terribly boring yet completely fascinating” sound like a good summary! 😀 There are some travel agents that specialize in cargo ship travel. I used one called Freighter Travel ( https://www.freightertravel.co.nz ).

The website of FlightlessTravel.com seems to be down, but they used to have a good list of cargo ship travel agencies. The page is still available on Web Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20170905232015/http://flightlesstravel.com/plan/cargo-ships/

desperate me – Barbara J. O’Brien need to travel with furniture, bedding etc personal living items, to USA, for “sole de patie” a way of entering the US inorder to live there lawfully….need a shippinbg line to take me, as above…please phone me – urgent need to arrive before 15 August 2018, from Auckland NZ. Please can you help me to above???

Hey Barbara!

Unfortunately I cannot help you, but I recommend that you contact a freighter company or a cargo ship travel agent. They might be able to give you more information.

Hi, just did this very journey from tauranga (where i live) to Oakland in May. i read your blog before booked it. and you did a very good summary of the experience. I would do it again too, but in retrospect i would have done it the other way around so i could have some time looking at the other ports. Yes, captain was very friendly, could not have asked for a better crew really. The Chief Engineer also took me for a tour in the engine room one day.

That’s wonderful, I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed your experience 🙂

It is a unique experience to travel on a freighter. Have you ever been on a King Ocean ship (www.kingocean.com)? They are huge boats!

Thanks for sharing. Got an idea of what it was like for a passenger, but what does the crew do this entire time? Thank in advance.

Sorry for replying over a year late, but that’s a good question! I know many members of the crew spent time on the deck or downstairs working with the engines. I’m not sure how much work and how much spare time they had, though. I remember one young crewmate bouncing a football in his cabin. 😀

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How to Prepare for Cargo Ship Travel? (Booking a Passage)

Booking a passage on a cargo ship? This guide tells you all you need to know about cargo ship travel.

BLOG ON HIATUS III

On Monday 10th of July, I’ll start crossing the Pacific Ocean as a passenger on a cargo ship. The whole journey from Tauranga, New Zealand…

Cargo Ships, Catamarans, & More: 10 Unique Alternatives To Regular Cruising

T here are plenty of amazing ways to explore the water bodies of the world. While the majority of travelers go with the more popular cruising options, it is exciting to try something new occasionally. These cool alternatives to cruising are super exciting, and even the most adventurous of travelers will fall in love with one of them. Without further ado, here are some epic cruising alternatives to try on one's next adventure.

Submarine Dives

Navy personnel are not the only people that get to enjoy submarine cruises. Travelers can too, and the experience is memorable. Submarine dives offer amazing opportunities to explore parts of the water that ships and divers cannot go to, which can sometimes be up to a thousand feet below sea level.

This adventure is sure to make one feel like a Navy SEAL embarking on a dangerous mission.

Submarine trips in the US aren't super common. However, they do exist. Travelers will have the ultimate experience if they book the best submarine tours in the US .

Whitewater Rafting

Although it does not come with the luxurious amenities of regular cruises, whitewater rafting adventures generate thrills that cruises do not offer. Rafters get a ton of exercise as their muscles battle rapids, and they get splashed with water - rather than just lazying about on a luxury cruise.

There are many destinations around the world where one can spend an entire vacation whitewater rafting. One such place is Costa Rica, where there are plenty of epic whitewater rafting destinations with different classes of rapids. Other places with the best whitewater rafting in the world include the Colorado River in the United States, the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, and the Mitta River in Australia.

Whitewater rafting may seem similar to kayaking (albeit much more strenuous and exhilarating), but the latter is much different. Kayaking, unlike whitewater rafting, is generally a calmer and more relaxing way to explore the earth’s waterbodies. Although some brave souls use kayaks over vast water bodies, it is generally safer to kayak in smaller waterbodies where there are fewer waves.

Kayaking is a great alternative to cruise ships because it gets people so close to the water and its surroundings. Plus, kayakers can go to places that ships cannot go to. Canoes are very similar to kayaks, so this also applies to them.

Related: Kayaking For Beginners: What To Know & What To Pack

Catamaran Trips

Catamaran boats are double-hull boats, so they are perfect for those who want more space while on their cruise. On catamarans, there is more living space, which makes cruising on these vessels great for families with kids.

Besides the extra space, Catamaran boats are more balanced on the water; hence cruising on these vessels feels more relaxing, even in unstable waters. Due to the reduced rock and roll effects that the sea waves have on catamarans, those onboard will be less likely to suffer from seasickness, too.

Amazon River Cruises

As the name suggests, these are cruises that take passengers through the mighty Amazon River . These cruises are exciting as they offer opportunities to explore the incredible plant and animal life of the largest rainforest in the world.

The Amazon River cruise is arguably the greatest wildlife expedition in the world because there is no place on earth as biodiverse as the forest it goes through. Those onboard these riverboats will feel like some of the greatest explorers in history while on the trips.

River Cruises

While the Amazon River Cruise focuses on one particular river, it is important to note that there are other rivers around the world where one can enjoy exciting cruises.

Although it may seem familiar, river cruises are quite different from the more popular sea cruises because one will be able to see a lot of greenery, wildlife, and cities on the way instead of just being in a massive ship in the middle of a vast sea.

Sailboat Cruises

As more people turn to environmentally friendly modes of traveling , sailboats have become increasingly popular -and they are also exciting. One does not have to be Greta or an avid environmentalist to enjoy sailing. It’s a peaceful and unique experience to cruise on these vessels, especially those with luxury amenities.

Sailboat cruising brings one closer to the water and makes one feel like humans of old who used these vessels to explore the world.

Cargo Ship Travel

Traveling by cargo ship is one of the most unique adventures in the world . It is an opportunity to truly enjoy the serenity of the sea. While they may not come with loads of amenities like cruise ships, the lack thereof is kind of what makes cargo ships so peaceful. This means that even though there may be no Wi-Fi or nightclubs, one will not have to deal with crowded swimming pools and noisy bars.

It is instead a slow and peaceful ride to the next port with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the everyday running of the ship.

Related: 5 Reasons To Consider Cargo Ship Travel (5 Why Not)

Jet Boat Rides

Jetboats are small and fast, and this makes them thrilling ways to explore the waters of the earth. While their small size enables them to reach places regular ships can’t go, their powerful engines make them move with incredible speed.

The excitement that those few minutes riding on these vehicles can bring is arguably more than what hours of regular ship cruises can offer.

Houseboat Rental

Houseboats are on water what RVs are on land. They are homes that are not permanently positioned in a single location but can move to wherever the owner wants. Instead of housing hundreds and even thousands of people at once, as cruise ships do, these houseboats make the experience more personal by only accommodating a few people.

Whether people are spending the vacation with family, friends, or business partners, a houseboat is the perfect way to do it away from land and cruise ships.

The Mission to Seafarers launches Adventure Race Japan 2025

Seafarer charity hopes to beat the $1.3m raised in inaugural 2023 race

The Mission to Seafarers kicked off its second Adventure Race Japan, taking place in May 2025.

At an official launch party held during Singapore Maritime Week, Jan Webber, director of development for The Mission, said race organisers were hoping to surpass the success of the inaugural race of 2023. With 192 participants from 19 countries, the event raised $1.3m.

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Third Temporary Channel Opens for Vessels to Baltimore Port After Bridge Collapse

A third temporary channel for boats to access the Port of Baltimore has opened as workers keep removing debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship

Julia Nikhinson

The collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge lay on top of the container ship Dali, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Baltimore. The FBI confirmed that agents were aboard the Dali conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

BALTIMORE (AP) — A third temporary channel for boats to enter and depart the Port of Baltimore has opened, expanding further shipping access as collapsed sections of the Francis Scott Key Bridge are salvaged before the span can ultimately be rebuilt.

The alternate channel, located to the northeast of the fallen bridge, is open to “commercially essential vessels,” port officials announced late Friday.

The new temporary path, with a controlling depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters), a horizontal clearance of 300 feet (91.4 meters) and a vertical clearance of 135 feet (41.2 meters), allows a greater variety of vessels to access the port while crews work to reopen the main channel, Coast Guard and port Capt. David O’Connell said in a news release.

With the new channel open, about 15% of pre-collapse commercial activity will resume, O'Connell said. The first temporary channel opened April 1. The bridge collapsed early March 26 after it was struck by the cargo ship Dali.

Officials hope to open a channel by the end of the month to allow most maritime traffic back into one of the East Coast’s busiest maritime transit hubs.

Workers are laboring to remove thousands of tons of debris sitting atop the Dali , the cargo ship that veered off course and struck the 1.6-mile-long (2.57-kilometer-long) bridge. Six roadwork crew members on the bridge died. Two of their bodies have not been found.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

With massive cranes, workers so far have taken away about 1,300 tons (1,179 metric tons) of steel. The debris on the stationary ship must be removed before the vessel can be returned to the port.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Ship sinks between South Korea and Japan; 2 dead, 8 missing

Ships searching in wind-whipped waters between South Korea and Japan have picked up at least 14 of the 22 crew members from a cargo vessel that sank early Wednesday, killing at least two, officials said.

South Korean officials said nine of those rescued remain unconscious, but they did not immediately confirm any deaths. Ten crew members were later airlifted to Nagasaki in southern Japan for treatment, but two of them were confirmed dead on arrival, Japanese officials said.

South Korean and Japanese coast guard vessels and aircraft as well as two commercial cargo ships were continuing to search for the eight missing crew members but the efforts were being slowed by strong winds and waves, South Korean officials said.

The Japanese coast guard confirmed the rescue of at least 13 crew members and said five of them — all Chinese nationals — were still alive.

The 6,551-ton Jin Tian sank about 3 1/2 hours after it sent a distress call at around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, Japanese coast guard spokesperson Shinya Kitahara said.

The vessel, which was Hong Kong registered and carrying lumber, sank about 100 miles southwest of Nagasaki, Japan, and about 93 miles south of South Korea’s Jeju Island. 

The captain last communicated with the coast guard through a satellite phone around 2:41 a.m., saying the crew would abandon the ship, minutes before it sank, Jeju Island coast guard officials said.

Six crew members were picked up by South Korean coast guard vessels, while a cargo ship picked up five and Japanese aircraft picked up three, according to Jeju’s coast guard.

Officials said 14 crew members are Chinese and eight are from Myanmar. According to maritime transport websites, the vessel left Malaysia’s Port Klang on Dec. 3 and was headed for South Korea’s Incheon port.

The ship is owned by Long Bright Shipping Limited, a Hong Kong-registered company that is a subsidiary of Shenzhen Shekou Shipping Transportation Co., Ltd., according to a July 2022 filing made by the parent company to China’s National Equities Exchange and Quotations. The filing says the Jin Tian was used as collateral for a loan that was later repaid.

Calls to a number listed for Shenzhen Shekou Shipping Transportation in mainland China went unanswered on Wednesday during the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday.

South Korean officials didn’t immediately say whether the nine who were unconscious were likely to survive. They said the five other crew members who were rescued were either conscious when found or regained consciousness.

Kitahara said the cause of the ship’s sinking was not immediately known and there were no signs that it collided with another vessel. He said the arrivals of Japanese patrol boats and aircraft were delayed by difficult weather.

Officials at Jeju’s coast guard said a strong wind warning was issued for the area earlier on Wednesday but was later lifted. Winds were blowing at around 35 miles per hour, creating waves 9-13 feet high.

The Japanese coast guard said the water in the area remained rough with a temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.

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Vietnam to Japan By Air freight, Cargo ship or Road

See the best way to ship your freight from Vietnam to Japan by various transport modes including Air, Sea and Road. Compare transit times, emissions, route options and much more.

Air Freight

Departs Every 1-2 hours

Departs Every 1-2 weeks

Road / Truck

No options available

More useful links

Vietnam to japan by air freight.

The quickest way to get from Vietnam to Japan by plane will take about 4h 11m and departs from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and arrives into Kansai International Airport (KIX). There are flights departing every 1-2 hours on this route. VietJet Air is one of the carriers that operates regular services on this route with flights departing 1-2 times a day.

Quickest air route

Noi bai international airport to kansai international airport.

Departs from

Every 1-2 hours

Estimated emissions

70kg - 284kg CO₂ (per 100kg)

Most frequent

Da nang international airport to narita international airport.

149kg - 282kg CO₂ (per 100kg)

Cargo flights

Tan son nhat international airport to kansai international airport.

2-4 times a day

140kg - 234kg CO₂ (per 100kg)

More air routes from Vietnam to Japan

Explore more shipment routes including schedules and transit times.

Vietnam to Japan by Container ship

The quickest way to get from Vietnam to Japan by ship will take about 6 days 13h and departs from Vung Tau (VNVUT) and arrives into Yokohama (JPYOK). There are vessels departing every 1-2 weeks on this route. ONE is one of the carriers that operates regular services on this route with vessels departing every 2-4 weeks.

Quickest ocean route

Vung tau to yokohama.

Port of loading

Every 1-2 weeks

299kg - 387kg CO₂ (per TEU)

Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo

Every 1-2 days

390kg - 446kg CO₂ (per TEU)

More ocean routes from Vietnam to Japan

More about shipping cargo and freight from Vietnam to Japan by Air, Ocean and Road

The shortest shipping time by sea between Vietnam and Japan is 6 days 13h. Ships depart from Vung Tau (VNVUT) and arrive at Yokohama (JPYOK) with scheduled departures Every 1-2 weeks.

There are scheduled container ships that depart every 1-2 weeks from Vung Tau (VNVUT) and arrive into Yokohama (JPYOK) around 6 days 13h later. These services are operated by ONE and MSC.

The quickest flight from Vietnam to Japan takes around 4h 11m. Flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Scheduled flights between Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Kansai International Airport (KIX) depart every 1-2 hours. These flights are serviced by VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Air, SF Airlines, Starlux Airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Air Macau, China Eastern Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express, Cathay Pacific, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines and Korean Air and the typical transit time is around 4h 11m.

Yes there are dedicated cargo planes that fly regular scheduled services between Vietnam and Japan. Cargo flights depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) with departures 2-4 times a day and a average flight time of around 4h 11m. SF Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines and Korean Air operates Boeing 737 Freighter, Airbus A330 Freighter, Boeing 747-400 Freighter, Boeing 767 Freighter, Boeing 747 Freighter, Boeing 747 Freighter, Boeing 747-8F Freighter and Boeing 777-200F Freighter on this route.

The distance between Vietnam and Japan by cargo ship is 2,491 Nautical Miles (4,613 Kilometres / 2,866 Miles). This distance is measured by sea between Vung Tau (VNVUT) and Yokohama (JPYOK).

The distance between Vietnam and Japan by air is around 3,229 Kilometres (2,006 Miles). This distance is measured following typical flight paths between Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Kansai International Airport (KIX).

299kg - 387kg CO₂ (per TEU) is the estimated emissions output (CO2e) when transporting a typical shipping container (1 TEU) from Vietnam to Japan. This is calculated using the overall historical emissions of the average container ship on this trade lane and dividing it by the total projected capacity.

70kg - 284kg CO₂ (per 100kg) is the estimated emissions output (CO2e) when sending cargo by air from Vietnam to Japan. This is calculated by determining the total fuel burn output of various aircraft that typically fly this route and dividing it by the total available cargo capacity in KGs.

Shipping from Vietnam

• Hanoi to Cincinnati
• Ho Chi Minh City to Riga
• Hanoi to Dalian
• Ho Chi Minh City to Algiers
• Hanoi to Copenhagen
• Ho Chi Minh City to Luanda
• Hanoi to Austin
• Ho Chi Minh City to Taipei
• Hanoi to Jakarta
• Ho Chi Minh City to Auckland
• Hanoi to Haifa
• Ho Chi Minh City to Taichung
• Hanoi to Bordeaux
• Ho Chi Minh City to Glasgow
• Hanoi to Shanghai
• Ho Chi Minh City to Istanbul
• Hanoi to Perth
• Ho Chi Minh City to Genoa
• Hanoi to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• Ho Chi Minh City to Kōbe
• Hanoi to Guayaquil
• Ho Chi Minh City to Oakland
• Hanoi to Stuttgart
• Ho Chi Minh City to Oslo

Shipping to Japan

• Austin to Tokyo
• Nairobi to Yokohama
• Mecca to Ōsaka
• Nice to Kōbe
• Taipei to Nagoya
• Portland to Hiroshima
• Guayaquil to Sapporo
• Tunis to Tokyo
• Foshan to Yokohama
• Tianjin to Ōsaka
• Dubai to Kōbe
• Budapest to Nagoya
• Buenos Aires to Hiroshima
• Bremerhaven to Sapporo
• Jacksonville to Tokyo
• Adelaide to Yokohama
• Turin to Ōsaka
• Athens to Kōbe
• Havana to Nagoya
• Jeddah to Hiroshima
• Reims to Sapporo

Iran launches drone attack at Israel, expected to unfold 'over hours'

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The Israeli military said artillery and fighter jet strikes had hit around 40 targets in southern Lebanon on Wednesday as the intense fighting of recent days continued to escalate, with Hezbollah firing dozens of rockets at an Israeli border village.

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