Author: Dr. Theo Notteboom and Dr. Athanasios Pallis
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1. Introduction
The Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) shipping market specializes in transporting wheeled cargo, like cars, trucks, trailers, and other heavy machinery, which are driven on and off the vessels on their own wheels.
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2. Types of RoRo vessels
RoRo vessels have large open spaces and multiple decks, allowing vehicles and cargo on trailers to be easily rolled on and off the ship through ramps at the stern, bow or side. RoRo shipping allows for quick loading and unloading due to the self-driven nature of the cargo, which reduces turnaround times. RoRo vessels come in different functionalities, shapes and sizes such as PCTC, Conro and RoPax vessels.
A. Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC)
A Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) is a specialized RoRo vessel designed specifically to transport cars, trucks, vans, buses, and some construction or agricultural machinery. PCTCs are often large, box-like ships with relatively flat sides, optimized for maximizing interior cargo space rather than hydrodynamic performance. This design is distinctive in the shipping world and makes PCTCs easily recognizable.
PCTCs typically have multiple decks, sometimes as many as 12 to 14, which are stacked to fit as many vehicles as possible. The decks are connected by ramps, allowing cars and trucks to be driven on and off the ship easily. Some decks may be adjustable in height to accommodate vehicles of different sizes and heights.
The capacity of a PCTC is measured in “car equivalent units” (CEUs), which helps gauge the maximum number of standard-sized cars they can carry. Capacities can range from less than 1,000 for the smallest units to 9,100 CEU for the largest ships currently in operation (i.e., the Aurora Class vessels of Höegh Autoliners launched in 2024).
These vessels are commonly used by automotive manufacturers and shipping companies to move large quantities of vehicles across oceans and between major ports. PCTCs are integral to the global automotive supply chain, linking major vehicle manufacturing hubs in Japan, South Korea, Europe, China and the U.S. to consumer markets worldwide. Global Shipping companies such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen, MOL, Höegh Autoliners and NYK Line operate large PCTC fleets to support the global automotive industry. However, some car manufacturers such as the Chinese Build Your Dreams (BYD) are developing their own dedicated PCTC fleet.
B. ConRo vessels
ConRo vessels have mixed capabilities to carry both vehicles and containers, making them more versatile in cargo handling. ConRo ships are designed with container stacking on the upper decks (with or without cell guides), which are open and structured like traditional container ships. The lower decks often include ramps and are enclosed to protect the RoRo cargo. ConRo vessels are typically deployed on routes where ports can handle both RoRo and containerized cargo, often in regions like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and parts of Europe. These vessels benefit shipping lines by reducing the need for separate RoRo and container vessels on specific routes, making operations more cost-effective.
C. Ropax vessels
RoPax vessels are hybrid ships that combine the features of Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) vessels with passenger (Pax) transportation capabilities. Essentially, these vessels are designed to carry both vehicles and passengers. Quite a few RoPax vessels include passenger facilities such as seating areas, cabins, dining areas, and amenities. Facilities can range from basic to luxurious, depending on the route and distance. Some RoPax vessels feature full-service amenities like restaurants, entertainment areas, and private cabins. For shorter routes, simpler accommodations are more common, focusing on seating and essential services for a comfortable trip.
RoPax vessels are configured to balance both passenger and cargo capacity, with a flexible allocation that allows the number of vehicles and passengers to be adjusted as needed. RoPax vessels are commonly used on shorter routes where passengers may travel with their own vehicles, such as across the English Channel, the Baltic Sea, or in the Mediterranean. Routes in Japan, South Korea, and across the South China Sea also employ RoPax services to connect islands and coastal cities. Overall, RoPax vessels provide a critical link for both people and goods, especially in coastal areas and island regions where other forms of transportation may be limited.