Roll-On/Roll-Off

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is a cargo handling method in which wheeled vehicles—cars, trucks, trailers, buses, agricultural machinery, and heavy lifts on trailers—drive or are towed directly onto a vessel over a built-in ramp, rather than being lifted by crane. The method is defined by SOLAS Chapter II-1 (for ro-ro passenger ships) and Chapter VI for cargo ro-ro operations. Special securing requirements for wheeled cargo are addressed in the Code of Practice for the Safe Stowage and Securing of Vehicles (IMO MSC/Circ.1276) and in each vessel's Cargo Securing Manual. The chief mate supervises the securing of vehicles and trailers before departure, ensuring that wheel chocks, lashing chains, and retaining cleats are correctly applied. Vehicles with fuel are considered dangerous goods and subject to IMDG Code restrictions on tank capacity and positioning. The greatest hazard on ro-ro vessels is shifting cargo due to inadequate securing, which can rapidly degrade stability; several major casualties, including the Herald of Free Enterprise, arose from doors left open combined with water ingress onto the vehicle deck. SOLAS Chapter II-1 now requires ro-ro passenger ships to survive specific damage stability scenarios, and strict closing and securing procedures apply to all ro-ro vessels before departure.