Top 10 Sea Freight Companies in Dubai and Oman
Efficient sea freight services are vital to sustaining the dynamic trade flows across the Middle East. For companies dealing with high-volume goods from automotive components to delicate pharmaceuticals and high-value electronics choosing the right logistics partner is paramount. This article ranks the top 10 sea freight service providers in Dubai and Oman, considering factors like specialization, infrastructure, industry expertise, customer service, and geographic coverage.
1. Al Nowras Logistics Solutions
Headquarters: Sohar, Oman & Dubai, UAE
Specialties: Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Heavy Equipment, FMCG, Electronics
Services: Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL), customs clearance, project cargo
Al Nowras Logistics Solutions stands out as a market leader in sea freight across Oman and the UAE. With over 15 years of industry experience, Al Nowras combines robust regional networks with global freight forwarding partnerships. Their expertise in handling time-sensitive and high-risk shipments particularly for the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors makes them a trusted partner for many Fortune 500 companies operating in the Gulf.
Their integrated approach includes 24/7 customer support, bonded warehousing, and end-to-end visibility via digital tracking systems. Their dedicated lanes between UAE ports like Jebel Ali and Omani ports like Sohar and Salalah allow for reliable transit and reduced lead times.
2. DB Schenker
Headquarters: Dubai Logistics City, UAE
Specialties: Industrial, Automotive, Healthcare
Services: LCL, FCL, temperature-controlled shipping, value-added services
DB Schenker operates one of the largest global logistics networks and offers sophisticated sea freight services in the Middle East. Their tailored supply chain solutions are particularly valuable to manufacturers and pharmaceutical suppliers who require regulatory-compliant and temperature-controlled shipping environments.
3. Kuehne + Nagel
Headquarters: Dubai South, UAE
Specialties: High-tech, Aerospace, Healthcare
Services: Sea freight consolidation, global LCL management, digital customer portals
Kuehne + Nagel’s advanced sea freight infrastructure and tech-driven operations make them a preferred logistics partner for electronics and aerospace firms. Their operations in Dubai offer seamless access to global shipping lanes via Jebel Ali Port — the region’s biggest container terminal.
4. GAC Group
Headquarters: Jebel Ali, UAE & Muscat, Oman
Specialties: Marine logistics, Automotive, Oil & Gas
Services: Ship agency, project cargo, sea-air solutions, customs brokerage
GAC is a well-established player in Middle Eastern sea logistics. With strong marine experience, GAC also provides hybrid solutions like sea-air freight combinations — ideal for industries balancing cost and speed. Their on-ground expertise in both Dubai and Oman gives them an edge in customs navigation and cargo coordination.
5. Agility Logistics
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Specialties: FMCG, Automotive, Contract Logistics
Services: FCL/LCL, freight consolidation, third-party logistics (3PL)
Agility is renowned for scalable logistics services that appeal to mid- to large-size enterprises. Their multimodal capabilities allow flexible freight routing options, and their proprietary digital platforms offer complete shipment visibility. They’re also a good match for exporters moving heavy machinery or temperature-sensitive goods like vaccines.
6. DHL Global Forwarding
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Specialties: Life Sciences, Electronics, Aerospace
Services: Ocean freight, reefer containers, risk management, compliance services
DHL’s sea freight services are deeply entrenched in regulatory compliance and transparency, making them a standout choice for pharmaceutical and electronics exporters. Their reefer container capabilities allow for temperature-controlled transportation from Dubai to Oman and beyond.
7. Bahwan Logistics
Headquarters: Muscat, Oman
Specialties: Oil & Gas, Industrial Projects, Automotive
Services: Project forwarding, breakbulk cargo, container management
Bahwan has a solid footprint in Oman’s logistics sector, especially for energy and heavy-industry sectors. Their sea freight service is particularly robust in handling large-scale, breakbulk cargo destined for Oman’s port cities. Their close relationships with local port authorities ensure smoother customs and port handling.
8. CEVA Logistics
Headquarters: Jebel Ali Free Zone, UAE
Specialties: Consumer Electronics, Automotive
Services: FCL, LCL, buyer consolidation, time-definite freight
CEVA brings a technology-first approach to sea freight. Their customized dashboards, shipment tracking, and KPI-driven logistics management attract multinational clients who value speed and control, particularly in the electronics and consumer goods sectors.
9. Aramex
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Specialties: E-commerce, Healthcare, Retail
Services: FCL/LCL, warehousing, sea-air freight, reverse logistics
Aramex, while better known for e-commerce logistics, also provides reliable sea freight services between the UAE and Oman. They specialize in LCL services for SMEs and support e-commerce players looking to scale regionally.
10. Khimji Ramdas Shipping
Headquarters: Muscat, Oman
Specialties: FMCG, Retail Distribution, Bulk Commodities
Services: Port handling, warehousing, ocean freight, freight forwarding
A key logistics player in Oman, Khimji Ramdas has decades of experience with regional trade and offers dependable sea freight options, especially for companies distributing fast-moving consumer goods across the GCC.
Industry Trends: What Matters in 2025
1. Digital Tracking and Visibility
Customers expect real-time updates. Companies like Al Nowras and CEVA stand out by integrating end-to-end tracking for every container.
2. Industry-Specific Handling
Pharma and electronics demand tight controls on temperature, humidity, and security. DHL and DB Schenker offer compliant handling with integrated cold chain solutions.
3. Sustainability
Eco-conscious clients are prioritizing partners with carbon-neutral shipping practices and optimized fuel consumption a trend CEVA and K+N are embracing.
4. Regulatory Expertise
Cross-border compliance, especially for pharma and automotive parts, is critical. Al Nowras, with its customs clearance expertise, delivers a notable advantage for Oman-UAE routes.
Choosing the right sea freight provider in Dubai and Oman depends heavily on your industry needs and expectations around service quality, transparency, and specialization. While global players offer scale and technology, regional specialists like Al Nowras Logistics Solutions deliver unmatched local knowledge, flexibility, and hands-on support — making them the top choice for high-stakes shipments in complex sectors.
Whether you’re shipping pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, or fragile electronics, these top 10 providers offer reliable pathways through the intricate waters of GCC logistics.