RoRoFrachter

RoRoFrachter is the German term for a roll-on/roll-off freighter, a cargo ship designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers and other rolling stock. The defining feature is the ramps that allow vehicles to be driven on and off the vessel, enabling fast loading and unloading without the use of cranes. RoRo ships are used for a variety of wheeled cargo and are not limited to passenger cars.

Design and capacity: RoRo vessels typically have multiple vehicle decks, stern and sometimes bow ramps, and sometimes side ramps. Vehicles are secured on deck with lashings and locking devices to prevent movement in heavy seas. Capacities vary widely, from small multideck vessels to large freighters that can carry thousands of vehicle units; some models allow drive-through layouts to simplify handling. The ships may include ventilation and fire-suppression systems adapted to the storage of flammable cargo.

Operations: In port, vehicles are driven aboard and parked on designated decks. Loading and unloading are fast and do not require cranes, making RoRo efficient for automotive supply chains. Vehicles are checked for clearance and secured for transit; on longer voyages, routines address corrosion protection and climate control as needed. The fleet transports a mix of cars, trucks, buses, trailers and sometimes heavy equipment or railway rolling stock.

Market and history: RoRo freighters play a central role in global automotive logistics and in short-sea or cross-border transport. They serve manufacturers by moving finished vehicles to regional markets and connect ports that lack dedicated car-carrier service. The RoRo concept emerged in the mid-20th century and evolved into a standard vessel type, with improvements in deck design and port handling increasing efficiency and safety.