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.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Join forces and share Building Safety knowledge in 2025
Why and how to contribute to the Building Safety Wiki.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.
A new CIOB TIS on discharging CDM 2015 duties
Practical steps that can be undertaken in the Management of Contractors to discharge the relevant CDM 2015 duties.
Planning for homes by transport hubs
Next steps for infrastructure following the updated NPPF.
Access, history and Ty unnos.
The world’s first publicly funded civic park.
Exploring permitted development rights for change of use
Discussing lesser known classes M, N, P, PA and L.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024 winners
Fresco School by Roman Robroek and Once Upon a Pass by Liam Man.
Comments
One thing the article could have touched upon more is the seamless integration of RORO shipping with other transportation methods, such as trucking. For instance, once vehicles are offloaded from a RORO ship, they can be quickly transferred to platforms like real trucking for their onward journey. Such integration ensures not only swift delivery but also reduces potential damages or mishandlings.