What Is a Roll-On Roll-Off Ship?

Need to ship a wheeled vehicle overseas or move heavy equipment to a remote job site? Roll-on roll-off, or RoRo, shipping might be your ideal solution.

Below, we explore the details of RoRo shipping and help you determine if it’s the best option for your shipping needs.

What is Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro/Ro) Shipping?

Roll-on/roll-off, or RoRo shipping as it’s commonly known, is a method of transporting self propelled vehicles, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, trailers, and heavy machinery, by driving them directly onto and off of specialized vessels. The term RoRo itself is derived from the “rolling” action associated with loading and unloading the cargo from the ship.

RoRo ships usually have built-in ramps or employ shore-based ramps which allow cargo to be driven on and off the vessel with ease. This design significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of loading and unloading operations, eliminating the need for heavy-lifting equipment.

Unlike traditional methods where vehicles are lifted onboard using cranes, RoRo shipping minimizes handling and reduces the risk of damage, making it a much safer and more efficient option for transporting vehicles.

A RoRo ship next to a RoRo lot.

What are the Different Types of RoRo Ships?

There are several different types of RoRo ships, each designed to carry specific kinds of cargo and serve various purposes.

Here is a brief summary of the main types of RoRo ships:

Pure Car Carrier (PCC) and Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC)

As their names suggest, Pure Car Carriers (PCCs) are specialized vessels designed specifically to transport passenger vehicles, while Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) can also transport trucks, buses, and other larger vehicles alongside cars.

The characteristic box-like structure of these vessels allows for the efficient stacking and securing of vehicles on multiple decks, maximizing the ship’s carrying capacity.

ConRo Ships

ConRo ships, or Container/Roll-On/Roll-Off ships, are a hybrid between container vessels and a standard RoRo ship. They allow lower decks of the vessel to be used for rolling on and off wheeled cargo, while the upper decks are designated for transporting containerized shipments.

GenRo Ships

General Cargo Roll-On/Roll-Off (GenRo) ships are designed to carry a variety of general cargo types, including vehicles, machinery, and breakbulk cargo. They are highly adaptable and can handle many different types of loads.

RoPax Ships

RoPax ships are a combination of RoRo vessels and passenger ferries. They are equipped to transport vehicles along with passengers, providing a convenient solution for routes that require both cargo and passenger transportation.

When is Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping Used?

RoRo shipping can be used in many different situations to transport cargo that can be easily wheeled on and off the ship.

Here are some of the cargo types that can be effectively shipped using RoRo services:

• Automobile Transport: RoRo ships are ideal for moving cars, motorcycles, trucks, trailers, and other types of vehicles with minimal handling. When shipping automobiles, it’s important to make sure that the vehicle is operational, as this allows it to be driven on and off the ship efficiently.
• Heavy Cargo and Oversized Machinery: RoRo vessels are also efficient for transporting construction and agricultural machinery, such as excavators, cranes, tractors and harvesters.
• Shipping Military Vehicles: RoRo shipping provides a quick and effective solution for moving tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment.
• Relief and Aid Efforts: In emergency situations, RoRo vessels are crucial for delivering emergency vehicles and equipment to disaster-stricken areas.
• Rollable cargo: As well as wheeled vehicles, RoRo shipping can also be used for transporting other rollable cargo, for example, large paper rolls and cable drums.
• Personal International Shipping: RoRo shipping is also convenient for individual customers who are looking to relocate internationally with their personal vehicles.
• Specialized Cargo: RoRo vessels are perfect for transporting unique items such as yachts, buses, and oversized cargo.

What are the Advantages of RoRo Shipping for Transporting Cargo?

RoRo shipping offers a number of advantages over other traditional freight shipping methods, including:

Loading and Unloading Efficiency

With RoRo shipping, wheeled cargo can be driven directly on and off the ship. This helps to optimize the loading and unloading process, minimize port time, and speed up the entire shipping process.

Reduced Risk of Damage

As the vehicles are driven on and off the ship, there’s less need for cranes and other handling equipment, which reduces the risk of damage during loading and unloading. This ensures that shipped vehicles and machinery arrive at their destination in excellent condition.

Versatility

RoRo vessels are versatile which means they can accommodate a wide range of wheeled cargo, from cars, trucks, and trailers, to construction machinery and military vehicles. This flexibility makes RoRo suitable for various industries and cargo types, including oversized cargo.

Cost-Effectiveness

The efficiency of the RoRo loading and unloading process helps to cut down on labor and handling costs. This makes RoRo a cost-effective solution for transporting large volumes of vehicles or large and heavy shipments.

Transit Time

As RoRo ships spend less time in port due to their efficient loading and unloading processes, the overall transit time is reduced. This means your cargo can reach its destination faster compared to traditional shipping methods.

Environmental Benefits

RoRo shipping is more environmentally friendly than other methods used to transport vehicles. The efficient design and operation of RoRo vessels leads to lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

How Much Does Roll-On/Roll-Off Shipping Cost?

When shipping a vehicle internationally, Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) transportation is often the most cost-effective solution. However, the cost of transporting wheeled cargo via RoRo shipping can vary depending on a number of different factors, including:

• the size and weight of the cargo – generally RoRo shipping rates are calculated based on a vehicle’s cubic meter volume, which means that you can expect to pay more when shipping larger vehicles
• the type of cargo in the shipment
• the distance between the origin port and destination port
• RoRo shipping service demands – for example during peak holiday seasons, there may be increased demand for RoRo services, leading to higher rates due to limited availability
• Additional charges, such as port, customs clearance and insurance fees

Find Out More About CFR Classic’s Leading RoRo Services

CFR Classic provides seamless, efficient, and reliable Roll-On/Roll-Off services. Whether you’re moving automobiles, heavy machinery, or specialized cargo, our expert team can ensure your goods reach their destination safely and on time and at the best price possible!

Contact CFR Classic today to find out more about our industry-leading RoRo services.