Japan → Apapa (Lagos): service and transit time
Apapa is the port of Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, and the gateway to the biggest consumer market in West Africa. It is connected to Japan by West Africa services involving a transhipment. Transit is around 45–60 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.
Services to Apapa (Lagos) mostly involve a transhipment. Cargo can sit at the transhipment port, which widens the range of transit times, but we compare several routings and present the best available at that moment. If your deadline is tight, we can look for a routing optimised for speed.
| Port of loading | Main Japanese ports (Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe and others) |
|---|---|
| Port of discharge | Apapa (Lagos) (NGAPP) / Nigeria, Africa |
| Transit time (guide) | 45–60 daysDelays can occur |
| Containers | 40HCFCLSOC |
Transit times are a guide for representative services and are not guaranteed. They differ by carrier and service, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
40HC ocean freight rates to Apapa (Lagos) and what moves them
Few carriers and services serve Africa, so the scarcity of space feeds directly into rates. In peak season securing space at all can be difficult, and booking early tends to keep the cost down.
We compare rates from multiple carriers side by side and present the best available at that moment. Card payment is supported, so you can book without straining your cash flow.
Ports, customs and inland transport for Nigeria
Port congestion is common and container collection can be slow, so demurrage and detention accrue easily. Some commodities require an import licence or prior approval.
We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to Nigeria. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.
SOC container also available
For Africa, and especially landlocked destinations, there is often nowhere to return the container and detention builds up. This is where the advantage of SOC containers, which need no return, is greatest.
Other routes in Africa
We also handle other routes to Africa. If the destination is not yet fixed, we will compare options on the all-in cost including the inland leg.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japan to Apapa (Lagos) take?
45–60 days is the guide. It varies with carrier schedules and peak-season congestion, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
How much port congestion should I expect?
Congestion is common at Apapa and container collection can be slow. Demurrage and detention accrue easily, so please confirm that your consignee can collect promptly.
Are there formalities to complete in advance for Nigeria?
Some commodities require an import licence or prior approval. Requirements can change, so please confirm the current position before shipment.
Are there other ports in Lagos?
There are several terminals, including Tin Can Island. The port of call differs by carrier service, so please tell us if your consignee has a preference.
What is the maximum payload of a 40HC?
Internal capacity is roughly 76 cubic metres and the maximum payload is up to 26.5 tonnes (this can differ by carrier and equipment). Send us your cargo details and we will advise the right container and an estimate.
Are quotes free? How can I pay?
Quotes are free. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express / JCB). Once you have an account you can quote, book and manage shipments from My Page.
Japan to Apapa (Lagos) 40HC, at today’s best rate
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