Container gateway · France
Port of Le Havre
Le Havre is a container gateway on the English Channel in France (Northern Europe & Atlantic). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- France
- UN/LOCODE
- FRLEH
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Northern Europe & Atlantic
- Waters
- English Channel
- Coordinates
- 49.47°N, 0.12°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 8,810 nm
About the port of Le Havre
Le Havre, at the mouth of the Seine, is France’s largest container port and part of the HAROPA port system with Rouen and Paris.
Le Havre is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Asia–North Europe is a core East–West trade lane. Routing via the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope depends on the carrier’s current network and security assessment for the Red Sea.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Le Havre | 8,810 | 23–28 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the European Union, entry summary declarations under the ICS2 system must be filed before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with France that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: EVFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Le Havre
Where is the port of Le Havre?
Le Havre is in France, on the English Channel, in the Northern Europe & Atlantic shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Le Havre?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Le Havre is FRLEH. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Le Havre?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 8,810 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 23–28 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Le Havre?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Le Havre?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Le Havre through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.