How Many RoRo Ships Are There in the World?

What's in this article?

How Many RoRo Ships Are There in the World?
Countries Using RoRo Services
Types of RoRo Ships
Specifications and Features of RoRo Ships
More Amazing RoRo Features
Efficiency = speed
Hoistable decks
Carbon-efficient design for Ro-Ro ships
Leaders in RoRo Shipping

How Many RoRo Ships Are There in the World?

RoRo ships are out there taking the oceans by storm. The sheer amount of RoRo ships in use is astonishing.

Roll-on/Roll-off ships, also known as RoRo, are explicitly built to transport wheeled cargo like cars, trucks, and trailers.

These ships have grown essential in global trade since they provide a cost-effective means to move vast amounts of products across the world's oceans.

Despite their importance, finding reliable information about the number of RoRo ships worldwide can be challenging.

This article will explore this topic in detail, providing the latest data on the global RoRo fleet and its growth over time.

So let's dissect these details to discover how many RoRo ships are out there.

How Many RoRo Ships Are There in the World?

You better believe in the thousands when considering how many Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships exist. They are universal because they are vital to the global shipping industry.

The exact number of these vessels is ever-changing due to new ships being built each year or older ones being retired. But the current estimate is that around 15,000 active RoRo ships are currently in operation globally.

Ro-Ro ships are boats that transport vehicles on wheels, such as automobiles, trucks, buses, and trailers, which anyone can drive straight onto and remove from the ship without using cranes. They have built-in shore ramps that allow goods to be rolled on and off efficiently in port.

Ro-Ro vessels come in all shapes and sizes, from small ferries used to cross rivers and other short distances to large seafaring vessels capable of carrying hundreds of vehicles simultaneously.

They are often used to transport new vehicles from factories before being sold anywhere in the world. And they can transport heavy machinery or containers across long distances.

Due to their versatility and efficiency, Ro-Ro ships have become integral to the global maritime industry, helping facilitate trade between different countries.

Countries Using RoRo Services

Many countries rely on these services to transport new vehicles from factories before being sold overseas or to move heavy machinery or containers over long distances.

In addition to their efficiency, RoRo vessels often come in smaller sizes than traditional cargo ships, making them ideal for navigating shallow waters and rivers.

One of the main markets for RoRo services worldwide is the United States. In 2019 alone, they shipped more than 2 million vehicles across oceans using this method.

Europe is also a major user of RoRo shipping, with Germany leading the way in total volume transported yearly. China, Japan, South Korea, and Canada are other major players leveraging this type of shipping transport.

Ro-Ro ships have become an integral part of global trade and are helping facilitate international commerce between different countries around the world.

With so many nations relying on these services, it's clear that Roll-on/roll-off shipping has become an essential part of our modern economy.

Types of RoRo Ships

The world of RoRo ships is fascinating—with various types of vessels being used to transport cargo across oceans.

These versatile ships come in many shapes and sizes, from the typical single-deck vessels used to move cars and trucks to much larger multi-deck vessels carrying containers or heavy industrial and construction equipment.

One of the most common types of RoRo ships is the Pure Car Carrier (PCC). These vessels are usually smaller than other RoRo ships but are designed to carry vehicles from one port to another.

This size makes them ideal for transporting large numbers of new cars or vans off assembly lines and into showrooms all over the globe.

Another type of vessel is the Pure Car/Truck Carrier (PCTC), which combines features from both PCCs and conventional car carriers. It's an extraordinarily effective way to move products over vast distances because it can handle both automobiles and large trucks all at once.

Passenger ferries or RoRo Ferry are a popular type of vessel. They can transport people across rivers and other short distances in many parts of the world. Furthermore, this type of vessel comes with passenger accommodations besides transporting vehicles.

Heavy Load Carrier (HLC) ships are much larger than their PCC and PCTC counterparts. These vessels can transport containers, heavy machine parts, or large yachts across oceans.

With their modular design, these ships are quickly and easily adaptable depending on the transporting needs.

Specifications and Features of RoRo Ships

Thanks to their capability of carrying large cargo loads, RoRo ships often feature a large open deck with ramps that allow the loading and unloading of freight quickly and easily.

They typically have two levels: a main deck where the cargo is stored and a top deck that houses the crew quarters and navigation bridge.

The design of these vessels makes them incredibly versatile: available for short-haul journeys across a few miles or long-distance voyages across entire oceans.

These ships even have the capacity to move several thousand tons of freight in a single journey, depending on their size.

On top of this, each RoRo ship has advanced navigational equipment, such as radar systems, automatic identification systems (AIS), and satellite communications. This equipment guarantees the cargo, crew, and vessel's safety throughout travel.

Moreover, most ships also feature stabilizing devices, which reduce rolling motions in heavy seas.

Thanks to all these amazing features, Ro-Ro ships are an indispensable part of global trade networks today.

They are the best choice for securely and effectively transporting substantial volumes of freight throughout the globe because of their dependability and adaptability.

More Amazing RoRo Features

More RoRo ship designs will amaze you. Find out what they are in the below list.

Efficiency = speed

How fast do RoRo ships go? First, we must understand that these ships feature a stern ramp—a device that allows vehicles to drive directly onto the ship. This simple mechanism makes loading and unloading much faster than traditional methods.

The stern ramp is usually located at the back of the vessel, allowing for easy access from both land and sea. It is generally made from strong metal, so it can endure harsh weather conditions at sea without breaking or becoming damaged.

The outer ramp itself is also typically adjustable, with some models able to be raised or lowered depending on the vessel's height in relation to the dock or quay wall.

When loading cars onto a RoRo ship, someone will drive them up the ramp to the main cargo deck. Once secured, the vessel may set out on its journey.

Thanks to their maximum speed capability, RoRo ships are incredibly fast compared to other types of vessels, making them an attractive transportation solution.

Hoistable decks

You can find hoistable decks, a great feature on many RoRo ships. They're an adjustable cargo deck that can be lifted up and down depending on the ship's height in relation to the dock or quay wall.

Vehicles may now be loaded and unloaded quickly and without concern over whether they are too high or low with respect to the ramp.

The hoistable deck is typically made from strong metal, allowing it to endure harsh weather conditions at sea.

Also, it can be elevated or lowered depending on the size of the vessel, thanks to its adjustable heights. This makes loading and unloading much simpler and quicker than with conventional techniques.

Plus, it helps ensure your cargo remains secure during transit.

Moreover, hoistable decks are incredibly useful when transporting heavy loads over long distances, as they reduce wear and tear on both the ship and its engine.

Carbon-efficient design for Ro-Ro ships

As environmental concerns increase and the need for carbon-efficient transport solutions rises, RoRo ships have had to adapt. Fortunately, many shipbuilders now design vessels with carbon efficiency in mind.

There's a lesser concern for fuel consumption and emissions with these ships that can carry more cargo.

The key to a carbon-efficient RoRo vessel is its design. By implementing low-drag hulls and air lubrication systems, shipbuilders can reduce the energy needed for propulsion.

In addition, there are advanced technologies to make the most of wind power and harness alternative energy sources like solar or wave energy.

All these advancements will allow companies to achieve their sustainability goals without sacrificing reliability or performance.

Leaders in RoRo Shipping

While the exact number of RoRo ships in the world may be difficult to pinpoint, we can certainly appreciate their important role in global trade and transportation.

From cars to heavy machinery, these vessels are crucial for moving goods across oceans and seas. So appreciate it the next time you see a RoRo ship in port or on the horizon. Take a moment to marvel at the impressive engineering and logistics that make it all possible.

With over 35 years in the shipping industry, you can depend on A1 Auto Transport to serve shipments to over 190 countries worldwide—proof of our shipping abilities.

RoRo shipping for international deliveries starts with your free estimate now. Get it now.