Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from Canada to Ireland

Canada and Ireland have a good history of trade relationships, with Canadian businesses exporting a total of $698 million worth of goods to Ireland in 2021. Most of the exports comprised crude petroleum, corn, and packaged medicaments. This brings a high annual rate of trade between the two countries, landing at 4.52% from 1995 to 2021.

If you are looking to tap into shipping to Ireland, you first need to know all about ocean and air freight shipping from Canada to Ireland. 

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Canada to Ireland?

To ship cargo from Canada to Ireland, you can go for ocean or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Canada to Ireland

Ocean freight is the cheapest way to get goods from Canada to Ireland. It also allows for quite versatile shipments, accommodating large and oversized goods. You can ship goods from Canada to Ireland by sea in two ways: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

In LCL, your goods will be consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers. Hence, it is best for smaller shipments and goods suitable to be shipped with other items. LCL can take longer in transit because of the consolidation process, but the shipping fee is more economical. 

In FCL, on the other hand, you lease the space in an entire container. This allows you to ship much larger or heavier goods or otherwise protect high-value cargo that needs to be shipped in isolation. Because you own an entire container, FCL can be more expensive. But you get to enjoy faster transit times. 

Air Freight from Canada to Ireland

Air freight is another mode of shipment to get goods from Canada to Ireland. It’s best for goods that need to arrive in Ireland fast, as transit times by air typically only last a couple of days. Air freight is also more secure thanks to airport regulations. 

However, the main drawback of shipping goods by air is the cost. Air freight is more expensive than ocean freight – not to mention it also has stricter regulations on what you can and cannot ship.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Canada to Ireland?

The cost of shipping cargo from Canada to Ireland will depend on the following factors: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port deliveries
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

How long does it take to ship cargo from Canada to Ireland?

The duration of your shipment from Canada to Ireland will depend primarily on your chosen shipping mode. Ocean freight takes longer than air freight, often taking several days to weeks.

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Canada to Ireland?

On average, the transit time for ocean freight bound from Canada to Ireland is 15 days. The table below shows more detailed estimates.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Canada to Ireland?

Air freight from Canada to Ireland typically lasts 6 hours to a few days. Refer to the table below to get more detailed transit times.

Customs Clearance in Canada and Ireland

Before your goods can be imported to Ireland, they need to go through the customs clearance process. This should be a breeze, provided that you prepare and complete the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

We have a full document list you can refer to for examples of each customs clearance requirement.** 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

The choice between ocean freight and air freight will depend on your shipping priorities and the specifications of your shipment. So you make an informed decision, here are some pointers to consider.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the right choice if you’re looking for an economical shipping option or you’re shipping goods that are large and heavy. The mode of shipment can accommodate cargo of any size, volume, weight, or type. But you’ll have to deal with longer transit times.

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is the best option if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and volume 
• Suitable for consolidation with other shipments 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not expected in Ireland at a specified time

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL, on the other hand, may be a better option for your cargo if it is: 

• Large, heavy, oversized, or overweight 
• Not suitable for consolidation and needs to be shipped in isolation 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Expected in Ireland at a specified time** 

Air Freight

If a precise timeline is crucial for the arrival of your goods in Ireland, then air freight is the way to go. Despite being more expensive than ocean freight, it can get your goods to their destination quickly and securely. 

Keep in mind, however, that air freight has strict regulations about the types of goods you can ship and limits on cargo weight and size.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Canada

Port of Prince Rupert

The Port of Prince Rupert is an alternative to the Vancouver Port. It mainly handles wheat and barley export and has a dedicated food production terminal within its facilities. The port has a storage capacity of over 200,000 tonnes and a wide reach.

Port of Halifax

The Port of Halifax has connections to 150 economies worldwide. It is one of Canada’s most important ports and most efficient. The port has self-imposed deadlines to help it move cargo fast and has developed to handle two mega vessels in its berth simultaneously.

Port of Montreal

The Port of Montreal primarily serves the areas of Quebec and Montreal, contributing a lot to their economies. The port’s location is strategic and provides the shortest direct trade route between Europe, North America, and the Mediterranean.

Cargo ports of arrival in Ireland

Port of Dublin

The Port of Dublin is located in Dublin Bay and mainly serves Dublin City. It is the biggest port in Ireland and handles 50% of its maritime operations. The port can handle 28,120,000 tonnes of cargo a year.

Port of Galway

The Port of Galway is located in Galway Bay in the province of Connacht, Dublin. It is one of the country’s most important ports, significantly contributing to Ireland’s economic and industrial development.

Port of Shannon Foynes

The Port of Shannon Foynes on the southwestern coast of Ireland handles most of the country's meat and bulk sugar exports. It also takes in imports of fuel, oil, timer, and fertilizers, as well as conventional cargo.

Air Freight from Canada to Ireland: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Canada

Vancouver International (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport is located in Richmond, British Columbia. It serves the city of Vancouver and its lower mainland region. The airport is a hub for Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Pacific Coastal Airlines, handling 232,600 tonnes of cargo annually.

Calgary International (YYC)

Calgary International Airport is located east of Downtown Calgary in Alberta, Canada. It spans 20.82 square kilometers and houses airlines like WestJet, Air Canada, Lynx Air, and WestJet Encore, which handle cargo operations of 79,500 tonnes annually.

Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

The Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It primarily serves the Toronto metropolitan area and its surrounding region. The airport houses Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Swoop, and Porter Airlines and has an annual cargo throughput of 303,000 tonnes annually.

Airports of arrival in Ireland

Dublin Airport 

The Dublin Airport serves the city of Dublin. It is the busiest airport in Ireland and the 12th busiest in Europe. It handles an array of cargo operators and is the main hub of Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier.

Cork Airport

Cork Airport is the second-largest airport in Ireland, located in Cork City. It houses cargo operators like Ryanair, Aer Lingus, JetMagic, Eirjet, Avair, Futura Gael, and Aer Arann.

Shannon Airport 

The third-largest airport in Ireland, Shannon Airport, is located in County Clare, Ireland. It is hailed as a pioneer in global aviation thanks to its contributions to history. The airport serves the midwest region of Ireland and is managed by the Shannon Airport Authority.