Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) shipping
What is RoRo shipping?
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a method of transporting vehicles and other wheeled cargo by allowing them to be driven onto and off of specialized vessels, eliminating the need for cranes or other loading equipment. RoRo vessels are equipped with ramps or platforms that facilitate the easy movement of cargo.
How many RoRo ships are there in the world?
According to a 2023 Wallenius Wilhelmsen report, there are approximately 600 RoRo cargo ships operating worldwide. This number can fluctuate due to new ships being built and older ones being retired.
How many cars can a RoRo carry?
The capacity of a RORO vessel varies depending on its size and design. Larger vessels can carry thousands of vehicles, ranging from cars and trucks to buses and heavy machinery, while smaller vessels may carry hundreds.
How are RoRo ships unloaded?
RoRo ships are unloaded using specialized ramps or platforms integrated into their design. Upon arrival at the destination port, the vessel's crew will secure the ship and prepare for unloading. The process typically involves lowering the ramps or platforms onto the dock, allowing vehicles and cargo to be driven directly off the ship.
Port workers and equipment assist in guiding and maneuvering the vehicles safely onto the dock. Depending on the port facilities and infrastructure, multiple vehicles may be unloaded simultaneously to expedite the process.
Once unloaded, vehicles and cargo are typically inspected for damage and sorted according to their destination or further transportation requirements.
How long does it take to unload a RoRo ship?
The unloading time for a RoRo ship depends on factors such as the vessel's size, cargo volume, and efficiency of port operations. Generally, the unloading process can take several hours to a few days, with larger vessels taking longer to offload.
How to track RoRo shipments
Tracking RORO shipments can be done through various methods, including contacting the shipping company directly for updates, using online tracking tools provided by the shipping company, or utilizing third-party cargo tracking services. These methods help provide real-time visibility on the status and location of RoRo shipments, allowing for better planning and coordination in supply chain and logistics operations.
RoRo vs. Container Shipping
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) ships are designed to transport wheeled cargo, such as cars and trucks, which can be driven directly onto and off the vessel via ramps. Container ships, on the other hand, are built to carry standardized cargo containers, facilitating the handling and transfer of various goods using cranes. RoRo ships are efficient for vehicle and machinery transport with quick loading and unloading, while container ships are more versatile and integral to global trade for a wide range of cargo types. Both serve distinct roles in maritime transport, with RoRo ships focusing on vehicles and container ships handling diverse, containerized goods.
Major RoRo shipping companies
Several major companies dominate the RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping industry. Key players include:
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen: A leading global RoRo shipping and logistics company, specializing in transporting vehicles, heavy equipment, and breakbulk cargo.
- K Line: A major Japanese shipping line offering RoRo services for vehicles and machinery, with a large fleet and extensive routes.
- Grimaldi Group: An Italian shipping company known for its RoRo services, operating a significant number of vessels for vehicle and cargo transport.
- NYK Line: A prominent Japanese shipping company providing RoRo transport services along with a wide range of other shipping solutions.
- Hoegh Autoliners: Specializes in the transportation of vehicles and rolling stock, with a dedicated RoRo fleet operating worldwide.