Understanding Roll-On/Roll-Off Ships: A Complete Guide

Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships are specialized vessels designed for transporting wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers, and other vehicles. Unlike traditional cargo ships, Ro-Ro vessels allow vehicles to be driven on and off the ship using ramps, making the loading and unloading process faster and more efficient. 

This unique design is crucial for industries that rely on the swift and safe transportation of vehicles across the globe.

At Artemus, we offer specialized software solutions for freight forwarders. The software streamlines essential filings like ISF and AMS, ensuring compliance & efficiency in every shipment.

What Is A RORO Shipping?

A Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) ship is a type of cargo vessel specifically designed to transport wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and even heavy machinery.

Unlike traditional cargo ships, where goods are loaded using cranes, RoRo ships have built-in ramps that allow vehicles to be driven on and off the ship under their own power, or they can be towed if necessary. 

This method of loading and unloading is not only efficient but also significantly reduces the risk of damage to the cargo, making RoRo ships an essential component in the global transportation of vehicles and machinery.

Related: Top 10 Biggest RORO Ships In The World

One of the largest Ro-Ro passenger ferries, the MS Color Magic, weighs 75,100 GT (Gross Ton) and began service in September 2007 for Color Line. Built-in Finland by Aker Finnyards, the ferry measures 223.70 meters in length and 35 meters in width, with the capacity to carry 550 cars and 1,270 lane meters of cargo.

Another notable Ro-Ro ferry with one of the highest car-carrying capacities is the Ulysses. Named after James Joyce’s famous novel, this ferry is owned by Irish Ferries and started operating on March 25, 2001, between Dublin and Holyhead. 

The Ulysses weighs 50,938 GT, spans 209.02 meters in length, and is 31.84 meters wide. It can accommodate 1,342 cars and 4,101 lane meters of cargo.

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 Different Types Of Roll-On Roll-Off Ships

Roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ships are specialized vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers, and other machinery that can be driven on and off the ship on their wheels. 

RoRo ships play a crucial role in the global logistics chain, facilitating the transportation of vehicles and equipment across oceans with efficiency and safety. Here’s a look at the different types of RoRo ships commonly used in maritime transport:

1. Pure Car Carrier (PCC)

Pure Car Carriers are RoRo ships specifically designed to transport cars. These ships have multiple decks, with adjustable heights to accommodate vehicles of various sizes. 

PCCs are equipped with built-in ramps that allow cars to drive on and off the ship with ease. These vessels are often used by automotive manufacturers to transport large volumes of vehicles between production plants and global markets.

2. Pure Car And Truck Carrier (PCTC)

A step up from the PCC, the Pure Car and Truck Carrier is capable of transporting not only cars but also larger vehicles such as trucks, buses, and construction machinery. PCTCs have reinforced decks and larger ramps to handle heavier cargo. 

These versatile vessels are a popular choice for transporting a diverse range of wheeled cargo, providing greater flexibility for shippers.

3. High & Heavy RoRo Ships

High & Heavy RoRo ships are designed to carry oversized and heavy cargo that cannot fit into standard containers or be transported by other types of RoRo ships. 

This can include construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other industrial vehicles. These ships have strengthened decks and high cargo hold clearance, allowing them to accommodate tall and heavy equipment safely.

4. ConRo (Container/RoRo) Ships

ConRo ships combine the capabilities of both container ships and RoRo ships, making them versatile vessels for mixed cargo. They have dedicated RoRo decks for wheeled cargo, while the upper decks are equipped with container bays. 

This dual-purpose design allows ConRo ships to efficiently transport both containerized goods and vehicles, offering flexibility for routes with diverse cargo needs.

5. RoPax Ships

RoPax ships are a hybrid between RoRo ships and passenger ferries, designed to carry both vehicles and passengers. These vessels are commonly used on short sea routes and ferry crossings, where they transport cars, trucks, and passengers between ports. 

RoPax ships are equipped with comfortable passenger accommodations, alongside dedicated cargo decks for vehicles.

6. Livestock Carriers

A more specialized type of RoRo ship, livestock carriers are designed to transport live animals. These ships are equipped with ventilation systems, feeding and watering facilities, and other necessary features to ensure the safe and humane transport of animals. 

Livestock carriers play a vital role in the agricultural supply chain, particularly for the export and import of livestock.

7. Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger Ship (RoPax)

A variant of the RoPax ship, the Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger Ship is primarily focused on passenger transport but also accommodates vehicles. These ships are often used for ferry services, providing a convenient means for travelers to bring their vehicles along on their journeys.

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Benefits Of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred method for transporting wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers, and heavy machinery. Here are some key benefits:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: RoRo shipping is generally less expensive compared to container shipping. Since the cargo is simply driven on and off the vessel, it eliminates the need for extensive packaging, loading, and unloading processes associated with containers. This reduction in handling requirements helps to keep overall shipping costs lower.
2. Time Efficiency: RoRo shipping is known for its speed. The direct roll-on/roll-off process significantly reduces the time spent on loading and unloading, allowing for quicker turnaround times at ports. This efficiency is particularly advantageous for urgent deliveries or time-sensitive shipments​.
3. Simplicity & Safety: The straightforward nature of RoRo shipping reduces the risk of damage to the cargo. Vehicles or machinery are securely fastened and driven directly onto the vessel, minimizing the risk of mishandling. Additionally, this method is ideal for large or awkwardly shaped vehicles that might not fit into standard containers.
4. Versatility: RoRo shipping is versatile and can accommodate a wide range of wheeled cargo, from personal vehicles and trucks to heavy construction and mining equipment. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for various industries, including automotive, construction, and agriculture​.
5. Global Reach: RoRo services are available at many major ports worldwide, making it a convenient option for international shipping. Whether you’re shipping to or from remote locations, RoRo offers a reliable solution for transporting vehicles and machinery across borders​.

What Goods Are Loaded On RoRo Ships? 

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ships are specialized vessels designed to transport wheeled cargo that can be driven on and off the ship via ramps. The types of goods typically loaded onto RoRo ships include:

1. Automobiles And Vehicles: This is the most common type of cargo on RoRo ships, including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. These vehicles can be driven directly onto the ship’s deck and secured in place for transport.
2. Heavy Machinery: Construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other large vehicles that are wheeled or can be placed on wheeled platforms are also transported on RoRo ships. This includes bulldozers, cranes, and other oversized industrial machinery.
3. Railroad Cars: In some cases, RoRo ships transport railroad cars, especially when rail transport isn’t feasible over long distances or across bodies of water.
4. Trailers & Semi-Trailers: These are often loaded onto RoRo ships, especially those containing goods that need to be moved quickly and efficiently without the need for additional handling or containerization.
5. Oversized Cargo: Some RoRo ships, particularly those that combine features of traditional cargo ships and RoRo vessels (known as ConRo ships), can transport oversized cargo that does not fit in standard containers. This might include large wind turbine components, boat hulls, or other large industrial items.

Related: What Is Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)? A 2024 Guide

What Makes Roll-On/Roll-Off Vessels Different From Traditional Cargo Ships? 

Roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels and traditional cargo ships serve different purposes and are designed with distinct structural features to meet their specific functions.

1. Loading And Unloading Mechanism:
   • Ro-Ro Vessels: These ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and heavy machinery. The defining feature of Ro-Ro vessels is the ability to “roll” cargo on and off the ship using ramps, eliminating the need for cranes or other lifting equipment. This process is more efficient and faster, particularly for vehicles that can drive on their own power.
   • Traditional Cargo Ships: These ships, including container ships and bulk carriers, usually rely on cranes or other lifting devices to load and unload cargo. Containers or bulk goods are typically lifted onto the ship’s deck or into cargo holds, making the process slower compared to Ro-Ro vessels.
2. Cargo Types:
   • Ro-Ro Vessels: They primarily transport vehicles and machinery that are self-propelled or can be towed. Some Ro-Ro ships also carry other types of cargo that can be moved onto the ship using specialized trailers.
   • Traditional Cargo Ships: These vessels carry a wide range of cargo, including containers (on container ships), raw materials like coal and grain (on bulk carriers), and liquids like oil and chemicals (on tanker ships).
3. Ship Design:
   • Ro-Ro Vessels: Ro-Ro ships are characterized by their open decks and large ramp structures. The absence of internal bulkheads in some Ro-Ro vessels makes them more prone to stability issues, which has historically led to higher rates of marine accidents compared to other ship types.
   • Traditional Cargo Ships: These ships have more varied designs depending on their cargo type. For instance, container ships have multiple container slots, bulk carriers have large cargo holds, and tanker ships have tanks specifically designed to carry liquids.
4. Operational Efficiency:
   • Ro-Ro Vessels: The operational speed of Ro-Ro vessels is high due to the efficiency of the roll-on/roll-off process. This makes them a preferred choice for transporting large volumes of vehicles on tight schedules.
   • Traditional Cargo Ships: While efficient in their own right, traditional cargo ships often require more time for loading and unloading due to the need for lifting and securing cargo.
5. Port Accessibility And Frequency:
   • Ro-Ro Vessels: These ships typically call at fewer ports compared to container ships, and their schedules may be less frequent. This can lead to higher pre-carriage or on-carriage costs, as the ports that Ro-Ro vessels serve may not always be close to the cargo’s origin or destination.
   • Traditional Cargo Ships: Container ships, in particular, have more frequent sailings and access to a broader range of ports, making them more versatile for global trade.

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How Does RORO Shipping Work? The Process

Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) shipping is a specialized method used for transporting wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and heavy machinery, across the sea. It allows vehicles to be driven directly onto and off the ship using built-in ramps, making the process more efficient and less labor-intensive.

The RORO Shipping Process

Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) shipping is a method used to transport wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and heavy machinery, across oceans. 

Unlike traditional shipping, which involves packing goods into containers, RORO shipping allows vehicles to be driven directly onto and off specialized ships. This technique streamlines the loading and unloading process, making it faster and more cost-effective

1. Loading At The Origin Port:
   • Vehicles or other wheeled cargo are driven onto the ship via ramps that connect the ship’s deck to the quay. This eliminates the need for cranes or additional equipment. The cargo is then secured in designated areas on the ship’s deck using specialized lashings that keep the vehicles in place during transit.
2. Transport Across The Sea:
   • The ship, designed specifically for RORO operations, carries the cargo to its destination. RORO vessels come in various types, including Pure Car Carriers (PCC) and Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), which can transport thousands of vehicles, depending on the ship’s size.
3. Unloading At The Destination Port:
   • Upon arrival, the ramps are again deployed, and the vehicles are driven off the ship. The unloading process is usually quick, taking a few hours to a few days, depending on the cargo volume and port efficiency.

Related: What Is Ocean Freight Forwarding & Its Process?

Artemus: Freight Forwarders Software For ISF & AMS Filings

Artemus provides freight forwarders with robust software solutions designed specifically for ISF (Importer Security Filing) and AMS (Automated Manifest System) filings. The platform streamlines the compliance process, allowing freight forwarders to efficiently manage and submit the required data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 

With real-time updates and user-friendly features, our software ensures that all filings are accurate, timely, and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

By automating the ISF and AMS filing process, Artemus helps freight forwarders reduce the risk of costly penalties and delays while enhancing operational efficiency.

Related: Shipping From China To USA: All You Need To Know In 2024

FAQs

1. What Is A Roll-On Roll-Off Ship?

A roll-on roll-off (RORO) ship is a vessel designed to transport wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and trailers, that are driven on and off the ship using ramps. This type of ship allows for efficient loading and unloading without the need for cranes​

2. What Does “Roll-On, Roll-Off” Mean?

Roll-on, roll-off” (RORO) refers to a method of shipping where vehicles or cargo are driven on and off the ship using ramps, rather than being lifted or loaded by cranes.

3. What Is The Difference Between RoRo And PCC?

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping involves vehicles driving on and off the ship, while PCC (Pure Car Carrier) ships are specifically designed for transporting cars, with features optimized for handling high volumes of vehicles.

4. What Is The Roll-On Roll Of Shipping?

Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping involves vehicles or cargo being driven or rolled onto and off of a vessel using ramps, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of wheeled cargo.

Conclusion

Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) shipping provides a practical and efficient solution for transporting vehicles and wheeled cargo. By utilizing ramps for easy loading and unloading, this method streamlines the process, reducing handling time and minimizing damage risks. 

RORO shipping proves to be a versatile choice for both international and domestic transport, ensuring smooth and cost-effective movement of large quantities of wheeled goods.

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