What is RORO shipping, and how does it work?

RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) shipping allows vehicles to be driven directly onto and off specialized ships, eliminating the need for cranes or containers. This method is commonly used to transport cars, trucks, buses, and other wheeled machinery internationally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of RORO shipping compared to container shipping?

RORO shipping is generally simpler and faster, with stable pricing and no need for containerization. However, vehicles must be in running condition, and no extra cargo is allowed. While it’s more costly per vehicle than container shipping with multiple cars, it’s often ideal for shipping single vehicles.

Who are the major RORO shipping providers from Japan?

Leading RORO carriers include Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), NYK Line, K Line, and Hoegh Autoliners. They each offer extensive global routes with regular schedules and specialize in shipping vehicles from Japan to key markets worldwide.

What markets are popular for Japanese cars shipped via RORO?

Key export markets include Africa (Kenya, Tanzania), New Zealand, Australia, parts of Europe (UK, Ireland), and the Middle East and Latin America. Japan’s well-maintained vehicles and competitive pricing make them popular choices in these regions.

Are there restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be shipped via RORO?

Most RORO lines do not transport electric vehicles, except in Australia and New Zealand. However, hybrid vehicles can be shipped at the same rate as conventional vehicles, making RORO a cost-effective option for hybrids compared to container shipping.

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Overview of RORO Shipping:

Jon French

Definition: RORO shipping involves vehicles being driven on and off a specialized ship rather than being lifted by cranes, hence the term “roll on, roll off”. It is used to transport cars, trucks, buses, and other wheeled machinery.

Advantages: RORO shipping is generally more simple than container shipping, as vehicles do not need to be placed into containers. It also allows for quicker loading and unloading. Pricing is stable, if not slightly EXPENSIVE, not changing month by month.

Disadvantages: Vehicles shipped via RORO must be in running condition, and extra cargo like spare tires etc, is generally not allowed. Normally, RORO shipping is more expensive per vehicle than a container with 4 or 5 cars for example.

Major Shipping Lines:

Several major shipping companies handle RORO shipments from Japan to destinations worldwide. Here are a few of the key players:

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)

Fleet Size	One of the largest in the RORO industry, MOL operates a fleet of over 120 RORO vessels.
Routes:	MOL provides global coverage, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Services:	MOL offers regular sailings for vehicle transport from Japan and includes both new and used vehicle shipping.
Website	https://www.mol.co.jp

NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha)

Fleet Size	NYK Line has a fleet of around 118 RORO vessels.
Routes:	NYK Line covers global routes, with a strong presence in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
Services:	NYK is known for its frequency of sailings, especially from Japan to Europe and North America, offering one of the most reliable schedules in the industry.
Website	https://www.nyk.com

K Line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha)

Fleet Size	K Line operates about 83 RORO ships and has been a major player in shipping vehicles worldwide.
Routes:	K Line covers Asia, North America, and Europe, with a focus on Japanese car exports.
Services:	K Line is known for its focus on green shipping initiatives, reducing emissions across its fleet.
Website	https://www.kline.co.jp

Hoegh Autoliners

Fleet Size	Hoegh Autoliners operates a fleet of over 40 vessels specializing in RORO shipping, including larger vehicles and machinery.
Routes:	Offers global shipping routes, with significant connections between Japan, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Services:	Hoegh Autoliners is known for handling high and heavy cargo in addition to cars.
Website	h ttps://www.hoeghautoliners.com

Process of RORO Shipping from Japan:

Vehicle Preparation

Vehicles must be in good running condition to drive onto the ship. Some countries require certain inspections or certifications (e.g., JEVIC in Kenya or JAAI for other African nations).

STEP

Booking:

Shippers book space with a RORO line, typically through a freight forwarder or export company.

STEP

Vehicle Loading

Cars are driven onto the RORO ship by trained stevedores.

STEP

Shipping

Once loaded, the ship sets sail to the destination port. Transit times vary depending on the route (e.g., 15-20 days from Japan to New Zealand or 30-40 days to Europe).

STEP

Unloading

At the destination port, vehicles are driven off the ship and processed through customs.

STEP

Popular Export Markets:

Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa are key destinations for Japanese used cars shipped via RORO.
New Zealand and Australia: Both countries import a significant number of used vehicles from Japan via RORO, due to Japan’s well-maintained vehicles and affordable prices.
Europe: While Europe receives fewer used cars than Africa, countries like the UK and Ireland import a substantial number of Japanese vehicles.
Middle East and Latin America: These regions also import large numbers of Japanese cars via RORO due to the reliability of Japanese vehicles.

Frequency and Number of Ships:

Regular Schedules: Most shipping lines offer regular services, with multiple sailings per week from Japan to key global markets.
Ships: As mentioned, the largest RORO operators have fleets ranging from 40 to over 120 ships, ensuring consistent availability of space for vehicle shipments.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Many RORO operators are now focusing on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. NYK, MOL, and K Line have initiated programs for greener shipping, reducing their carbon footprint by adopting new technologies and fuel-efficient vessels.

Electric Vehicles

Apart from Australia and New Zealand, RORO shipping lines REFUSE to send electric vehicles.

Hybrid Vehicles

RORO shipping has an advantage over container shipping of hybrid vehicles. Whereas container shipping lines charge a premium price for a hybrid vehicle, RORO shipping charges the same rate.

Conclusion:

RORO shipping remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to transport vehicles from Japan to various parts of the world. Major players like MOL, NYK, K Line, and Hoegh Autoliners offer reliable services with extensive global coverage. Although in normal times it is not the cheapest method of shipping large volumes of cars, it is a quick, easy and reliable way to export a vehicle. The only choice when it comes to to a 1 vehicle import.

Q＆A

What is RORO shipping, and how does it work?: RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) shipping allows vehicles to be driven directly onto and off specialized ships, eliminating the need for cranes or containers. This method is commonly used to transport cars, trucks, buses, and other wheeled machinery internationally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of RORO shipping compared to container shipping?: RORO shipping is generally simpler and faster, with stable pricing and no need for containerization. However, vehicles must be in running condition, and no extra cargo is allowed. While it’s more costly per vehicle than container shipping with multiple cars, it’s often ideal for shipping single vehicles.

Who are the major RORO shipping providers from Japan?: Leading RORO carriers include Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), NYK Line, K Line, and Hoegh Autoliners. They each offer extensive global routes with regular schedules and specialize in shipping vehicles from Japan to key markets worldwide.

What markets are popular for Japanese cars shipped via RORO?: Key export markets include Africa (Kenya, Tanzania), New Zealand, Australia, parts of Europe (UK, Ireland), and the Middle East and Latin America. Japan’s well-maintained vehicles and competitive pricing make them popular choices in these regions.

Are there restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be shipped via RORO?: Most RORO lines do not transport electric vehicles, except in Australia and New Zealand. However, hybrid vehicles can be shipped at the same rate as conventional vehicles, making RORO a cost-effective option for hybrids compared to container shipping.