Big white plane flying above a big carrier ship — Sea freight for healthcare products

Market insights

Sea Logistics for healthcare products

Find out the benefits of using LCL

Air-to-sea modal conversions and shipping your high-value products via sea freight.

The cost savings achieved through air-to-sea modal conversions are substantial, with sea transport typically being 50 to 80% less expensive than air transport.

While it is true that sea freight may involve longer transit times compared to air transport, customers have been evaluating this aspect and weighing it against cost savings.

They are realising that the increased transit time is a small trade-off for the substantial benefits.

Advantages of air-to-sea modal conversion

Air-to-sea modal conversion not only saves costs but also contributes to sustainability improvements. By opting for sea freight, companies are actively reducing their carbon footprint and embracing more eco-friendly transportation methods.

Air transport emits 1000 grams of CO2 per kilogram of product per 1000 kilometres. In comparison, ocean transport emits only 40 grams of CO2 per kilogram of product per 1000 kilometres (i.e. 1/25 of air).

With fewer touchpoints throughout the transportation process, deviations, such as temperature fluctuations and damages, are significantly reduced. This streamlined approach minimises the risks associated with product integrity and ensures the safe and secure delivery of goods to their final destinations.

The combination of cost-saving, sustainability, and improved deviation management has led many customers to recognise that air-to-sea conversion is the optimal shipping method.

They experience a win-win situation: they optimise their logistics costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Healthcare products map with the Hong Kong line, showing cheaper than airfreight — Healthcare products map for sea fre

Two Kuehne+Nagel container yard workers are overseeing the transport of a container. — Simplify your global trade with rel

Less than container load (LCL) shipping

Kuehne+Nagel’s LCL shipments are carbon neutral and we help you achieve a smaller carbon footprint for your supply chain. LCL shipping lowers your risk with high security and temperature stability, reduces carbon emissions and offers HyperCare proactive monitoring.

Learn more

Less than container load (LCL) shipping

Kuehne+Nagel’s LCL shipments are carbon neutral and we help you achieve a smaller carbon footprint for your supply chain.

LCL shipping lowers your risk with high security and temperature stability, reduces carbon emissions and offers HyperCare proactive monitoring.

Specialised LCL services

Less handling of goods (compared with air)
Overall higher thermal mass in a full container
Thermo blankets provide additional protections
Extended lane risk assessment
GDP certification
Audited and GDP-approved sea carriers

Two workers talking and looking at the container — Sea freight for healthcare producti

5 reefer containers for healthcare products shipping — Market insights; Sea freight for he

Healthcare Sea Logistics for high-value products

It is essential to work closely with ocean liners who understand the unique challenges and requirements of transporting valuable products. These collaborations allow us to develop customised solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers. By leveraging the expertise of our partners, we can ensure efficient and secure transportation, minimising the risks associated with high-value cargo.

Efficiently managing high-value cargo also involves implementing robust security measures and utilising innovative Internet of Things (IoT) based tracking technologies. These measures help monitor and safeguard the cargo at every stage of the journey, reducing the risk of theft or unauthorised access.

Combining our logistics expertise with the capabilities and resources of ocean liner partners, we ensure the highest level of security and accountability.

Always in touch

Enjoy comprehensive real-time Sea News to be fully informed about what is happening in the shipping world.

Stay in the loops with insights on myKN about all carrier services including:

Realistic transit times
On-time performance
CO2 emissions