GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jul 18, 2026
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Ro-Ro stands for roll-on/roll-off and denotes a cargo-handling method in which wheeled or wheelable cargo is driven onto the vessel over rampsâunder its own power or with tractor unitsâand rolled off again at the destination port.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll-on/roll-off
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Ro-Ro stands for roll-on/roll-off and denotes a cargo-handling method in which wheeled or wheelable cargo is driven onto the vessel over rampsâunder its own power or with tractor unitsâand rolled off again at the destination port. Typical cargo includes cars, trucks, trailers, construction and agricultural machinery, and heavy project cargo. Its counterpart is the lo-lo method (lift-on/lift-off), where goods are lifted by crane, as with containers. The advantage of Ro-Ro lies in short handling times, gentle treatment of the cargo, and low demands on port infrastructure, since only reinforced ramps and berths are required instead of gantry cranes. Freight forwarders use Ro-Ro services mainly in European short-sea shipping and in intercontinental vehicle logistics. For hinterland connection, the units can be handed directly to the road. Not to be confused with ConRo or RoPax vessels, which combine Ro-Ro cargo with containers or passenger transport respectively.
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