These ships have holds that do not have hatches. Cargo is loaded and discharged via a ramp in the stern. (Some have a ramp in the bow as well.) The cargo is driven on (“rolled on”) and driven off (“rolled off”) the ship – hence the term RO-RO. Down below, there are few (if any)transverse bulkheads in the holds and therefore the hold looks rather like a large parking garage.

The ships are also used to carry vehicles that can be driven on and off the ship. Vehicle carriers load cargoes of vehicles at Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth where there are vehicle assembly factories.

Because of the ro-ro ramp, these ships can be used to carry large or bulky items of cargo (e.g. large machinery, mining equipment, factory parts) that can be rolled on and off the ship. This type of cargo is often called project cargo.

Ro-ro Ships Slide 1 of 3

The Swedish ro-ro ship Elgaren that traded to South Africa in 1980s. Note the large ramp at the stern. Photograph : Brian Ingpen

Ro-ro Ships Slide 2 of 3

Elgaren’s large ramp at the stern has been lowered and cargo is being driven off the ship. Photograph : Brian Ingpen

Ro-ro Ships Slide 3 of 3

The vehicle carrier Hoegh Kyoto has stern and side-ramps to load and discharge her cargoes of vehicles. Photograph : Brian Ingpen