Last updated: 23 October 2026

A ro-ro ship, short for roll-on roll-off, is a ship that carries wheeled cargo driven on and off by ramp. Cars, trucks, buses, tractors and even trains roll aboard, instead of being lifted by crane. Here’s how ro-ro ships work, the main types, and why they matter if you’re shipping a car or travelling by sea.

• Ramps: a large stern or side ramp lowers onto the quay.
• Decks: vehicles drive up internal ramps to multiple decks, some adjustable in height for trucks and machinery.
• Lashing: each vehicle is secured with straps or chains for the voyage.
• Speed: loading and unloading is fast, because there’s no crane work.

Types of ro-ro ship

The biggest car carriers can carry over 7,000–9,000 cars. They look like giant floating boxes with no visible decks.

Ro-ro vs container shipping for cars

Read car shipping costs from the UK and importing a car from Japan to the UK.

Can you travel on a ro-ro ship?

Yes. Ro-pax ferries are designed for passengers. Some ro-ro and con-ro cargo ships also take a few passengers in cabins, especially on routes to West Africa and South America. Read cargo ship to West Africa and freighter travel from Antwerp.

Ro-ro ships and safety

Ro-ro ships have large open vehicle decks, so watertight integrity, cargo securing and fire safety are tightly regulated. International rules were strengthened after past accidents, and modern ro-ro ships are built and operated to strict standards.

Explore other ship types: what is a bulk carrier, freight ship types and biggest ships in the world.

Frequently asked questions