Sea Freight Packaging for Electrical Equipment: Complete Export Guide

Export Packaging Standards

Electrical equipment must withstand 30–45 days of ocean transit, multiple port handling, and inland trucking. Proper packaging prevents moisture damage, corrosion, and mechanical impact during shipping.

Packaging by Equipment Type

Dry-Type Transformers (< 2500kVA)

• Fumigated plywood crate with steel corner brackets
• Internal bracing to prevent movement
• Silica gel desiccant packs (500g per cubic meter)
• VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) film wrapping
• Shock indicators on crate exterior

Oil-Immersed Transformers

• Option A — Dry Shipment: Transformer shipped without oil (reduced weight, lower freight cost). Oil supplied in sealed steel drums. Nitrogen gas filling in tank to prevent moisture ingress during transit
• Option B — Oil-Filled: Transformer shipped with oil. Requires heavy-duty steel skid and weatherproof cover

Switchgear Panels

• Individual wrapping in VCI paper + PE film
• Corner protection with foam padding
• Stacked on pallets with inter-layer dunnage
• Maximum 2 panels per pallet to prevent tipping

Container Loading

• 20ft Container: ~28 CBM, ideal for 1–3 small transformers
• 40ft HC Container: ~68 CBM, for 3–5 distribution transformers or 8–12 switchgear panels
• Flat Rack / Open Top: For oversized equipment exceeding container height

Documentation Provided

• Packing list with dimensions and weight per crate
• Fumigation certificate (ISPM 15 compliant wood)
• Certificate of Origin
• Commercial invoice for customs clearance
• Marine insurance certificate (if arranged by us)

Shipping Times

Add 5–10 days for customs clearance and inland delivery. We arrange door delivery from factory to your project site under CIF/DDP terms.