Geneva, Switzerland
Sea freight in Geneva
We book FCL and LCL sea freight for shippers and consignees in Geneva, via Sea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam. Pre-carriage, on-carriage by road or rail and the customs entries are planned together with the ocean booking.
Airports, seaports and connections in Geneva
- AirportGeneva Airport
GVA - SeaportSea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam
Geneva Airport (GVA) is western Switzerland's main airport, handling air cargo mainly in the bellies of passenger aircraft, with a Swiss and a French sector. For larger shipments, freight can be routed via Zurich (ZRH) or a European freighter hub. Sea freight for Geneva usually comes via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam, with onward road or rail transport. The Geneva Free Ports offer bonded storage under customs supervision for high-value goods.
Geneva is connected to the Swiss A1 towards Lausanne and Bern and to the French motorway network towards Lyon and Annecy. The airport has its own rail station on the line along Lake Geneva, and road links connect Geneva with the French border regions.
Operational logistics facts for Geneva
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva Airport (GVA) | Belly cargo, Swiss and French sectors | Air connections for western Switzerland |
| Geneva Free Ports | Bonded storage under customs supervision | Storage of high-value goods with customs duties suspended |
| Watch and luxury cluster | Watches, jewellery and luxury goods | OBC and secure routings for valuable items |
Industries in Geneva and how we support them
Geneva is known for watches and luxury goods, with watchmakers such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin based here, and is a centre of commodity trading and international organisations. Shipments are often high value and need secure handling and precise documentation, including for international organisations' privileges. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight through our airline network via GVA or ZRH, On-Board Courier for watches and valuables, Next Flight Out, sea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam, and customs clearance by our own customs team in Switzerland, including temporary import for exhibitions.
FCL and LCL via Sea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam
Full containers are booked directly with the shipping line; for smaller volumes we use LCL consolidation services. Pre-carriage from Geneva to Sea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam, or on-carriage after arrival, is arranged by road or rail as part of the same booking.
Customs clearance in Switzerland
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in Switzerland is handled by our own in-house customs team.
Air freight to and from Switzerland is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Switzerland need a Swiss business identification number (UID) and, for VAT, registration with the Federal Tax Administration where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Which port is used for sea freight to and from Geneva?
Usually Sea freight via Marseille, Genoa or Rotterdam. Depending on the shipping line and the destination, another port can be faster or more economical; we compare the options when quoting.