RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is sea transport in which wheeled cargo such as trucks, trailers, cars and construction machinery is driven onto the vessel over a ramp and unloaded the same way. The cargo is not lifted by crane; it stays on the vehicle. From Türkiye, the Italy and France lines let trucks reach Europe without entering transit countries, and lines such as Tuapse–Taşucu provide the connection with Russia.
The scope of RoRo shipping
RoRo vessels have a ramp at the stern or bow through which vehicles drive onto the deck. Trucks, trailers and machines that can move on their own wheels are driven aboard over this ramp, lashed to the deck with chains and driven off the same way at the port of arrival. Heavy pieces without their own wheels are loaded onto low-platform RoRo trailers (mafi) towed within the port and taken aboard.
There are two main vessel types. Ro-Ro cargo ships carry only vehicles and cargo. Ro-Pax ships are built to carry more than 12 passengers together with vehicles; trucks travelling with their drivers mostly use these ships. The distinction based on whether the driver travels with the vehicle is explained in the entry on accompanied and unaccompanied RoRo.
Why is it preferred?
- Less handling: The cargo is not unloaded from the trailer; cargo sealed at the loading ramp is not opened until the consignee's ramp.
- No transit countries: For example, a truck going from Türkiye to Italy does not have to deal with the transit permits and border waits of the Balkan route.
- Short port times: There is no stacking or crane queue as at a container terminal; the vehicle drives off the ship and continues on its way.
- Door-to-door continuity: The same vehicle travels with the same CMR from the loading point to the delivery address.
What cargo is carried?
- Curtainsider, reefer and tanker trailers, and complete trucks
- New or used cars, buses and lorries
- Tracked and wheeled construction machinery, agricultural machinery
- Project cargo and heavy equipment on mafi trailers or lowbeds
Typical lines in Türkiye
Westbound, there are regular sailings from ports such as Pendik, Ambarlı, Yalova, Çeşme and Mersin to Italy (especially Trieste) and France (Sète); most Europe-bound RoRo traffic goes through the Italy line. In the Eastern Mediterranean there are sailings from Mersin and Taşucu to Cyprus, and for the connection with Russia a line operates between Tuapse on the Black Sea and Taşucu. For the current list and line details, see the entry on RoRo lines in Türkiye.
How does a RoRo shipment work?
- The carrier books space on the vessel, stating the trailer length, weight and type of cargo.
- The vehicle enters the port area; export customs formalities and weighing are carried out.
- The vehicle is driven aboard over the ramp, and deck crew secure the wheels and trailer connections.
- At the port of arrival the vehicle drives off, import customs are completed and the vehicle travels by road to the delivery address.
RoRo versus container shipping
| Criterion | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Loading method | Driven on over a ramp | Lifted by crane |
| Cargo unit | Truck, trailer, vehicle, machine | 20' or 40' container |
| Handling | Cargo stays on the trailer | Container is stacked at the terminal |
| Suitable distance | Short and medium sea links | Any distance, including ocean crossings |
A detailed comparison is in the entry on the difference between RoRo and container shipping.
Common mistakes
- Missing the vessel's cut-off time; the next sailing may be several days later.
- Not declaring cargo containing dangerous goods at booking; IMDG rules require separate stowage on deck.
- Not securing the cargo inside the trailer adequately against the rolling that may occur at sea.
How does Voltim Global help with this?
Since March 2024, Voltim Global has carried out more than 450 shipments from Russia to Akkuyu NPP, most of them using the Tuapse–Taşucu RoRo line. Planning on the line is carried out under the Russia–Akkuyu supply line service.