What is a Ro Ro Ship?

RORO Shipping: The Complete Guide to Roll-on/Roll-off Vehicle Transport

When it comes to shipping a car internationally, Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) is one of the most popular and efficient methods available. At Ship Cars Ltd, we specialise in providing reliable and cost-effective RORO services for customers across the globe. If you’re considering shipping your vehicle, this definitive guide will explain everything you need to know about the RORO process, its benefits, limitations, and how to prepare your car for a safe and seamless journey.

What is RORO Shipping?

RORO, an acronym for Roll-on/Roll-off, is a method of maritime transport designed specifically for wheeled cargo. Unlike container shipping, where vehicles are craned into a steel box, RORO vessels are essentially massive, multi-storey floating car parks.

• The Process: Your vehicle is driven under its own power onto the vessel via a stern or side ramp. Once on board, it is securely parked and chocked (with wooden or metal blocks placed against the wheels) and often strapped down to prevent movement during the ocean voyage. At the destination port, the process is reversed, and your car is driven off the ship.

This method is a proven, industry-standard solution used by manufacturers, dealers, and private individuals worldwide for transporting operational motor vehicles.

Key Advantages of Choosing RORO Shipping

RORO shipping offers several distinct benefits that make it the preferred choice for many of our clients.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

RORO is generally the most affordable method for shipping a single, standard vehicle. Because the shipping line can efficiently pack many cars into a single vessel, the cost per unit is lower than other methods.

2. Lower Destination Charges

A significant financial advantage of RORO is the reduction of handling fees at the destination port. Since your vehicle is simply driven on and off the ship, there is no need for expensive container unloading equipment (like cranes or reach stackers) or container de-stuffing fees. This results in much lower port handling charges compared to container shipping, making the total landed cost more predictable and often cheaper.

3. Efficiency and Simplicity

The RORO process is straightforward. The loading and unloading procedures are quick, which can sometimes lead to faster port turnaround times compared to containerised cargo. The entire process is streamlined for wheeled vehicles.

4. Proven Reliability

RORO is a well-established and highly regulated sector of the shipping industry. Vessels are specifically designed for this purpose, with experienced crews who specialise in securing vehicles for an ocean crossing.

What Can Be Shipped with RORO?

RORO is a versatile service, but it is designed for specific types of cargo.

• Cars & SUVs: The most common type of vehicle shipped via RORO.
• Vans & Light Commercial Vehicles: Typically allowed, though may be subject to different pricing based on size and weight.
• Motorcycles: Can often be shipped via RORO, secured in a dedicated area of the vessel.
• Caravans & Trailers: Many RORO carriers accept these, provided they meet size and condition requirements.
• Boats on Trailers: Small boats on a road-legal trailer are often acceptable.
• Construction & Agricultural Machinery: Self-propelled machinery like tractors and excavators can be shipped via RORO if they are operational and can be driven on and off the vessel.

Critical Restrictions and Limitations

 

Understanding what is not permitted is just as important as knowing what is allowed. Failure to comply can lead to your vehicle being refused for loading.

1. Personal Belongings and Goods

This is one of the most important rules in RORO shipping.

• Can the vehicle be loaded with goods? No. As a standard rule, loading your vehicle with personal goods is not allowed, please speak to a member of team to confirm.
• Why? There are two primary reasons:
  1. Safety & Security: Personal items can shift during transit, causing damage to your vehicle or others. They can also pose a fire risk or contain prohibited items unknown to the shipping line.
  2. Customs Compliance: Shipping lines cannot verify the contents of a sealed vehicle. Personal effects would complicate customs declarations at the destination and could be considered commercial smuggling.
• The Exception: You may be allowed to leave factory-fitted items (e.g., a spare tyre, factory tool kit) and a very limited number of personal effects in the glove compartment (e.g., registration documents). You must always confirm what is permissible with us directly before shipping.

2. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Are Electric Vehicles allowed? Normally, no. The vast majority of RORO carriers do not accept fully electric vehicles due to the potential fire hazard associated with their lithium-ion batteries.
• What are the alternatives? If you need to ship an electric vehicle, it must be transported via a dedicated container. Please be aware that this service typically incurs a hazard surcharge. For more information on this option, visit our International Container Shipping page.

3. Vehicle Condition

• Operational Status: For RORO shipping, your vehicle must be in full working order. It must be able to start, drive, and brake under its own power to be safely loaded and unloaded. We cannot accept non-running or “project” cars for RORO transport.

Mandatory RORO Vehicle Preparation Checklist

Proper preparation is non-negotiable for a safe and problem-free shipment. Follow these essential steps.

1. Fuel Level

• Requirement: The fuel tank must be no more than 1/4 full. This is a critical safety regulation to minimise the risk of fire and explosion onboard the vessel.

2. Cleaning

• Requirement: Your vehicle should be clean, both inside and out. A heavily soiled vehicle, especially one with mud or debris on the undercarriage, may be rejected for loading due to biosecurity risks at the destination country (e.g., New Zealand, Australia). A clean vehicle also allows for an accurate pre-shipping inspection.

3. Mechanical & Personal Preparation

• Disable Alarms: Deactivate any alarm or immobiliser system to prevent it from sounding during the voyage and draining the battery.
• Battery: Ensure the battery is secured and fully charged. For long voyages, we may recommend disconnecting the battery.
• Fluid Levels: Check that engine oil, coolant, and other fluid levels are correct and that there are no active leaks.
• Tyres: Inflate tyres to the correct pressure.
• Remove Valuables: Remove all personal valuables, documents (except those required for export/import), and loose items from the cabin and boot.

For a comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we strongly recommend reading our dedicated article: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping.

RORO vs. Container Shipping: Which is Right for You?

While RORO is an excellent solution for many, it’s not perfect for every situation. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

To explore the container option in detail, please see our International Container Shipping page.

Essential Resources for a Successful RORO Shipment

To ensure you are fully prepared and avoid common, costly errors, we highly recommend reviewing these key articles from our resource centre:

• Top 10 Mistakes People Make During International Car Shipping – Learn from others’ experiences to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
• Preparing Your Car for Export – A detailed checklist covering the administrative and physical steps required before your car leaves the UK.
• Avoiding Damage with International Car Shipping – Proactive steps you can take to protect your vehicle throughout its journey.

Is RORO Shipping the Right Choice for You?

RORO shipping is the ideal solution if you are shipping a standard, operational vehicle and are looking for the most cost-effective and efficient method. Its key advantages of lower overall cost, reduced destination fees, and proven reliability make it the go-to choice for millions of vehicle owners every year.

However, if your vehicle is non-operational, an electric vehicle, a high-value classic, or you need to ship personal belongings inside it, then container shipping will be the required and more suitable option.

Ready to get a quote or have more questions? Contact the experts at Ship Cars Ltd today. We will guide you through the entire process, provide a transparent quote, and ensure your vehicle is prepared correctly for its RORO journey.