Haddock and Cod: Whitefish Cargo in Three Forms
Haddock and cod are the whitefish behind fish and chips, fish fingers and countless ready meals. For a cargo buyer they come in three forms: fillets, blocks and portions. The form largely decides the mode of transport, the pack and the size of the order.
Three forms, three cargo profiles
| Form | Often used by | Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Fillets | Retail counters, restaurants, wholesalers | Chilled on ice by air, or IQF frozen by reefer container |
| Blocks | Processors making breaded, battered or ready products | Frozen, in master cartons, by reefer container or road |
| Portions | Retail packs and catering | Frozen IQF in vacuum inner packs, or chilled by air |
Frozen blocks and portions by container
Frozen whitefish is the typical container cargo. Blocks and portions are frozen at −18 °C to −25 °C, packed in master cartons and stored at −25 °C before loading. A reefer container of about 12 to 26 tonnes is the minimum by sea, loaded through Leith or Grangemouth. European buyers can also take frozen haddock and cod by temperature-controlled road transport.
Chilled fillets by air
Where a buyer sells fresh fillets, they are packed on ice in insulated EPS boxes of 6, 10 or 20 kg and flown the same or next day by air cargo from Edinburgh and Glasgow. A temperature data logger travels in each air shipment, and the minimum is one pallet of about 500 kg to 1 tonne.
What to put in the enquiry
- Species: haddock, cod, or both in one shipment.
- Form: fillets, blocks or portions, and chilled or frozen.
- Pack: EPS on ice, or IQF with vacuum inner packs; private label if needed.
- Quantity and port or airport of arrival.
- Whether you want an inspection before loading by SGS or your representative; see pre-shipment inspection.
Health documentation and a document of origin travel with each consignment, and customs clearance is followed up until release.
Related pages
All fish · Salmon and trout · Plaice and sole · Markets · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
In which forms are haddock and cod supplied?
As fillets, blocks and portions, chilled or frozen depending on the form.
Can haddock and cod be shipped in one container?
Yes. Both species can be combined in one reefer container of about 12 to 26 tonnes.
Are fresh haddock and cod fillets flown?
Yes. Chilled fillets are packed on ice and sent the same or next day by air cargo from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
This cargo-focused site is part of the Al Shene Marine Holding group. Main site: sultanrashidalshene.com. Enquiries by email only: info@sultanrashid.com.