RORO shipping

This article is about roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships that carry vehicles. Types of RORO vessels include ferries, cruise ferries, cargo ships, barges and RORO services for air deliveries.

Other RORO terms include:

• RORO trains or rolling highways.
• RORO railroad car or autorack.
• RORO trailing towed by a tractor or car carrier trailer.
• RORO roll-out/roll-in computer memory management.

RORO ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, buses, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle, such as a self-propelled modular transporter. This is in contrast to lift-on/lift-off (LOLO) vessels, which use a crane to load and unload cargo.

RORO are vessels equipped with a mobile access ramp allowing the loading and unloading between the edge and the wharf. They are fast and allow short loading/unloading times. RORO vessels have either built-in or shore-based ramps or ferry slips that allow the cargo to be efficiently rolled on and off the vessel when in port.

While smaller ferries that operate across rivers and other short distances often have built-in ramps, the term RORO is generally reserved for large, ocean going vessels. The ramps and doors may be located in the stern, bow, sides or any combination thereof.

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