Originally designed to carry wheeled cargo such as automobiles, RoRo vessels today are used for transporting both passengers and vehicles. When it comes to international shipping of maritime freight, RoRo ships have emerged as one of the top choices for most logistics providers. A majority of the RoRo vessels for sale are purchased by international shipping companies that are looking to expand their operations in the maritime sector. Containerised shipping is the other popular form of transporting marine freight.
In this blog, we take an in-depth look at the benefits of RoRo shipping and evaluate how it is more suitable than containerised shipping for long-distance transportation.
Why Choose RoRo Vessels
1. Speed
For freight transporters who are always on the lookout for the fastest shipping option, RoRo vessels make the best choice. There is no elaborate loading and unloading process with RoRo ships, which makes the entire process go much more quickly.
2. Saves Time
Since the wheeled cargo can simply be driven onto the vessel, time is saved at both the departure port and the arrival port. There is no time spent in the loading and unloading of the cargo, making the shipping process faster and more efficient.
3. Safer Handling
The cargo being transported by RoRo ships does not have to go through the loading and unloading process at the ports, which reduces the chances of any damages or cargo accidents. This, it is a preferable option for many freight operators.
RoRo Shipping Vs. Containerised Shipping
Process
In RoRo shipping, the cars, trucks, trailers, or any other vehicles that are being transported are driven right onto the vessel and then kept openly on the decks after being firmly secured. In containerised shipping, the vehicles are secured inside a large container, which is then loaded onto the ship via a crane or other equipment.
Capacity
RoRo shipping is ideal for moving automobiles in bulk quantity. It is estimated that a modern RoRo vessel can carry up to 8000 cars approximately at one time. In contrast, a 20-foot container can fit about two mid-sized cars. Therefore, you will need multiple containers to ship more number of vehicles via containerised shipping.
Personal Belongings
With RoRo shipping, the only additional items allowed are spare tires and other fitted accessories. You cannot send any personal items along with the car. With containerised shipping, you have the option to send additional belongings beside your car. Depending on the space your container has, you can even choose to ship furniture.
Type of Vehicle
For a vehicle to be shipped in a RoRo vessel, it must be in running condition as it needs to be driven onto the ship and then also off it. Thus, cars that are not operational like vintage automobiles or collectible items cannot be shipped via RoRo vessels. They are more suited for containerised shipping, where they are placed inside the container and then loaded onto the ship.
Costs
RoRo vessels do not require any loading and unloading fees, thus, they save on the overall shipping cost. Moreover, RoRo shipping is a more cost-effective option in cost per unit, when compared to containerised shipping.
Final Words
In conclusion, RoRo shipping is the superior choice to containerised shipping keeping in mind multiple factors such as speed, timely arrival, and low cost of operations. Investing in RoRo vessels for sale would be a wise choice for freight companies. For professional advice by shipbroking experts, contact Norwegian Ship Sales.
