Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro)

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What is Ro-Ro Shipping?

Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) shipping is a method of moving wheeled cargo on vessels designed with built-in ramps. Vehicles and rolling units, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment, are driven or towed onto the ship at origin, secured for the sea passage, and then driven off at destination. Because cargo stays on its wheels and handling is simplified, Ro-Ro is often faster at the port than lifting cargo in and out by crane. The following cargo types are suited for Ro-Ro:

  • Passenger vehicles

  • Commercial trucks and buses

  • Heavy machinery like tractors, bulldozers, and other wheeled or tracked equipment 
     

Types of Ro-Ro vessels

  • Pure car carriers (PCCs): Designed exclusively for passenger vehicles.

  • Pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs): Carry cars plus larger commercial vehicles.

  • ConRo vessels: Combine Ro-Ro decks with container capacity for mixed cargo.
     

Benefits of Ro-Ro Shipping

Ro-Ro shipping is often chosen for wheeled and self-propelled cargo because it simplifies port operations and reduces the need for complex handling. Its design and loading method offer several practical advantages:

  • Faster loading and unloading: Vehicles move under their own power, reducing labour and port time.

  • Lower handling costs: Fewer lift moves can reduce handling effort and packaging requirements.

  • Reduced damage risk: Less physical handling lowers the chance of transit damage.

  • Flexible for rolling cargo: Handles many vehicle types with minimal preparation.