Shipping from Singapore to Bahrain — Freight Cost & Transit Times
A standard 40ft container from Singapore to Khalifa Bin Salman costs approximately US$2,000 (range $1,760–$2,300) with a total sea transit of 12 days and typical door-to-door lead time of 19–23 days including port handling and customs clearance. Bahrain applies 5% customs duty and 10% VAT on imported goods.
Freight & duty summary
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 40ft container (low–high) | $1,760 – $2,300 |
| 20ft container (low–high) | $1,144 – $1,495 |
| Origin ports | Singapore |
| Destination ports | Khalifa Bin Salman |
| Major carriers | Maersk, MSC, ONE, PIL |
| Customs duty | 5% |
| VAT | 10% |
| FTA benefit | Standard MFN rates apply |
Indicative General Cargo rates; refreshed monthly by DocMakTrade's trade desk.
Departure port comparison — Singapore to Bahrain
| Departure port | 40ft (USD) | 20ft (USD) | Sea transit (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $2,000 | $1,300 | 12 |
Rates differ by loading port because of terminal handling and inland positioning costs in Singapore.
Freight cost comparison — most requested lanes into Bahrain
Indicative 40ft container freight into Bahrain across the lanes importers request most often. The Singapore lane is highlighted, so you can see instantly whether switching origin would materially change your ocean freight line item. Figures are the mid-point of each lane's assessed range and exclude duty, VAT and destination clearance.
- India → Bahrain — $1,500 per 40ft container (indicative)
- Turkey → Bahrain — $1,900 per 40ft container (indicative)
- China → Bahrain — $2,200 per 40ft container (indicative)
- Vietnam → Bahrain — $2,300 per 40ft container (indicative)
- South Korea → Bahrain — $2,400 per 40ft container (indicative)
- Italy → Bahrain — $2,900 per 40ft container (indicative)
- Netherlands → Bahrain — $3,038 per 40ft container (indicative)
Documents and customs for Bahrain
Documents usually required
- Commercial invoice (signed, showing HS codes and Incoterm)
- Packing list with gross/net weights and package marks
- Bill of lading (original, telex release or sea waybill)
- Certificate of origin (chamber-attested where requested)
- Commercial registration (CR) linked to the OFOQ customs system
Customs notes
- 5% duty, 10% VAT. Bahrain Logistics Zone offers duty-free storage.
- Typical customs clearance at Khalifa Bin Salman: 1–3 working days once documents are complete.
- VAT base: CIF value plus duty; settlement currency BHD.
- Trade agreements recognised by Bahrain: GCC Customs Union, GAFTA, US–Bahrain FTA.
Prepare the paperwork with the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin makers, then check the full Bahrain import guide.
Best time to ship Singapore → Bahrain
Transshipment space is available year-round; the July–October global peak season brings the highest rates.
What moves on the Singapore → Bahrain lane
Singapore is primarily a transshipment and re-export origin: chemicals, lubricants, electronics and consolidated Southeast Asian cargo bound for the Gulf.
Hub-to-hub sailings with the highest schedule reliability in Asia and strong chemical/DG handling.
Bahrain clears through Khalifa Bin Salman Port and also serves as a lower-cost entry option for cargo trucked onward to Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.
Commodities commonly imported from Singapore
Arrival ports in Bahrain
Other origins shipping to Bahrain
Other destinations from Singapore
Run the numbers for this lane
Frequently asked questions
Explore more on DocMakTrade
Import destinations
Popular shipping routes
Ready to run the numbers?
Run the freight estimator for Singapore → Bahrain.