Xiamen to Jebel Ali shipping route.

Ships leaving Xiamen for Jebel Ali head west and cover a sea distance of 5,160 nautical miles (9,557 km), via Strait of Malacca. The straight line between the ports is 6,304 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca and Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping time depends on speed. At 14 knots, a common container ship service speed, the passage takes 15.4 days at sea. Slow steaming at 12 knots stretches it to 17.9 days, while 18 knots brings it down to 11.9. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Xiamen and Jebel Ali to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Sunda Strait, 5,785 nautical miles, 625 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Xiamen to Jebel Ali move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Jebel Ali (AEJEA) carriers give about 4 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 62 port to port routes from Xiamen in this directory, Jebel Ali is the 24th shortest. Closer destinations include Auckland (5,147 nm), Melbourne (5,061 nm) and Salalah (5,043 nm).