How Many Cars Can a Roro Ship Carry

With the rapid development of the global automotive trade, especially in recent years when people's acceptance of new energy vehicles has been increasing, more and more new energy vehicles are being transported from new energy vehicle manufacturing countries such as China and the United States to the world. Among them, roll-on/Roll-off ship (RoRo) transportation is the most common mode of maritime transportation for automobiles. However, as a car exporter or carrier, or if you want to transport your beloved car to other countries, you might have a question: how many cars can a roro ship carry?

As a professional freight forwarding service provider in China, Wilson has extensive experience in the transportation services of new energy vehicle roll-on/Roll-off ships (RoRo). In this article, we will discuss the carrying capacity of roll-on/roll-off ships with you.

What is RoRo Transport?

Roll on roll off (RoRo) transport is a specialized method of maritime shipping designed for wheeled vehicles, such as cars, trucks, buses, and heavy machinery. Unlike traditional cargo shipping, RoRo ships feature built-in ramps that allow vehicles to be driven directly onto and off the vessel, eliminating the need for cranes or other heavy lifting equipment. This streamlined process makes RoRo vessels highly efficient for loading and unloading, particularly for bulk vehicle exports.

Compared to container shipping, RoRo offers distinct advantages, including faster turnaround times and the ability to handle large volumes of vehicles in a single voyage. This makes it the preferred choice for automotive manufacturers, heavy equipment exporters, and even military logistics operations requiring rapid and reliable transport. Whether it's a fleet of compact cars or oversized construction vehicles, RoRo ships are engineered to meet diverse transportation needs with unmatched efficiency.

RoRo Ships: Types and General Capacity Ranges

The capacity of a car carrier is measured in Car Equivalent Units (CEU), a standard metric representing one standard-sized passenger car. The number of vehicles a RoRo vessel can carry varies widely depending on its size and design. Below, we break down the three main categories of RoRo ships and their typical capacity ranges, drawing on real-world examples.

Small RoRo Ships

• Capacity Range: 1,200–4,000 CEUs
• Overview: These vessels are ideal for short-haul or regional routes, serving markets with moderate demand or smaller ports. Their compact size allows for flexibility in navigating less accessible routes.
• Example: The Neoliner Origin, a French sail-powered RoRo ship, has a cargo capacity equivalent to approximately 265 twenty-foot containers (TEUs) but can carry up to 1,200–4,000 vehicles, depending on configuration. Its eco-friendly design makes it a standout for sustainable regional transport.

Medium RoRo Ships

• Capacity Range: 7,000–7,600 CEUs
• Overview: Medium-sized RoRo vessels are the workhorses of global automotive logistics, balancing capacity with operational versatility. They are commonly used for transcontinental vehicle exports.
• Examples:

1. BYD Explorer No. 1 (Pioneer 1), a Chinese-manufactured car carrier, can transport around 7,000 vehicles, catering to the growing export demands of electric vehicle manufacturers.
2. Chery's co-developed RoRo ships fall within this range, supporting high-volume automotive supply chains.

Large RoRo Ships

• Capacity Range: 9,000–9,500 CEUs
• Overview: These are the giants of the RoRo fleet, designed for high-capacity, long-haul routes. They represent the pinnacle of modern car carrier engineering, capable of transporting thousands of vehicles in a single trip.
• Examples:

1. Anji Ansheng (SAIC): Currently holds the record for the highest capacity at 9,500 CEUs. This 228-meter-long vessel features methanol dual-fuel propulsion and advanced energy-saving technologies.
2. BYD Shenzhen: With a capacity of 9,200 CEUs, this LNG dual-fuel RoRo ship incorporates solar power and zero-emission loading systems.
3. China Merchants' Dual-Fuel RoRo: Capable of carrying 9,300 CEUs, this vessel meets stringent IMO Tier III environmental standards, making it a leader in sustainable maritime transport.

What Affects the Car-Carrying Capacity of a RoRo Ship?

The number of vehicles a RoRo vessel can carry depends on several critical factors, each influencing the overall efficiency and capacity of the ship. Understanding these variables is essential for logistics professionals planning vehicle shipments or evaluating transport options.

Ship Size

The physical dimensions of a RoRo ship are a primary determinant of its capacity. Large car carriers typically exceed 200 meters in length, with widths and drafts (the depth of the ship below the waterline) designed to maximize cargo space. For instance, vessels like the Anji Ansheng (228 meters) can accommodate over 9,000 vehicles due to their expansive dimensions and high gross tonnage.

Deck Design

Modern RoRo ships feature 8–13 decks, many of which are adjustable or "hoistable" to accommodate vehicles of varying sizes, from compact sedans to SUVs, pickup trucks, and buses. This flexible deck design allows operators to optimize space based on the cargo mix. For example, the MV Tønsberg by Wallenius Wilhelmsen uses six hoistable decks to handle both standard cars and heavy machinery, with a total cargo volume of 138,000 cubic meters.

Vehicle Type

The type of vehicle being transported significantly impacts capacity. A RoRo vessel carrying compact sedans can fit up to 30% more vehicles than one loaded with larger commercial trucks or buses due to differences in size and parking efficiency. Some RoRo ships are designed for mixed cargo, allowing them to carry both passenger cars and heavier vehicles like construction equipment, further enhancing their versatility.

Loading Density and Arrangement

Efficient loading is key to maximizing a RoRo ship's capacity. Advanced planning and vehicle securing systems ensure optimal use of deck space, with RoRo vessels often likened to "floating parking garages" due to their highly modular and organized layouts. Sophisticated stowage plans and automated systems, as seen in vessels like the Figaro Carrier (7,880 CEUs), allow for precise vehicle arrangement, minimizing wasted space and ensuring safety during transit.

Case Study: The World's Largest RoRo Ships

To illustrate the impressive capabilities of modern RoRo vessels, let's examine some of the largest car carriers in operation today, highlighting their capacities, specifications, and standout features.

• Anji Ansheng: As the current record-holder, this RoRo ship can carry up to 9,500 Car Equivalent Units, making it a game-changer for high-volume automotive exports. Its methanol dual-fuel propulsion aligns with global sustainability goals, and its ability to serve over 100 ports worldwide ensures unmatched flexibility for global logistics networks.
• BYD Shenzhen: With a capacity of 9,200 CEUs, this car carrier leverages LNG dual-fuel and solar power to achieve zero-emission loading and unloading. Its automated deck configuration optimizes space for diverse vehicle types, catering to the booming electric vehicle export market.
• MV Tønsberg: This RoRo vessel boasts a massive cargo volume of 138,000 cubic meters and six hoistable decks, enabling it to transport an estimated 6,500 CEUs, including heavy machinery alongside standard vehicles.
• Figaro Carrier: Capable of carrying 7,880 CEUs (or a mix of 3,550 cars and 430 buses), this vessel features advanced automation for efficient loading and unloading, making it a versatile choice for mixed cargo shipments.

These examples highlight the engineering prowess behind modern RoRo ships, designed to meet the demands of global automotive logistics with efficiency and innovation. ( Learn about the world's "Top 10 roro shipping companies")

RoRo vs. Container: Which Is More Efficient for Car Shipping?

When choosing between RoRo and container shipping for vehicle transport, logistics professionals must weigh the advantages and limitations of each method based on their specific needs.

Advantages of RoRo Shipping

• High Loading/Unloading Efficiency: RoRo vessels allow vehicles to be driven directly on and off the ship, eliminating the need for cranes and reducing port turnaround times. This efficiency is critical for large-scale exports.
• High Volume Capacity: A single RoRo ship can carry thousands of vehicles, far surpassing the capacity of a single container ship, making it ideal for automotive manufacturers and bulk exporters.
• Tailored for Bulk Exports: Car carriers are designed specifically for wheeled vehicles, offering optimized deck layouts for large fleets of cars, trucks, or heavy machinery.

Advantages of Container Shipping

• Flexibility for Shortages: With global RoRo capacity facing a 10–15% shortfall since 2022, container shipping provides a viable alternative when RoRo vessels are unavailable or fully booked.
• Small Batch and Multi-Destination Needs: Containers are better suited for smaller shipments or deliveries to multiple ports, catering to e-commerce platforms or retail-focused car companies.
• Enhanced Security for High-Value Vehicles: Containers offer greater protection for luxury or private vehicles, reducing the risk of damage or theft during transit.

The global RoRo fleet is currently strained, with demand outpacing supply. This has led many automakers to adopt container shipping as a flexible supplement, particularly for smaller or specialized shipments. Additionally, some operators are repurposing small RoRo ships from short-haul to deep-sea routes, further tightening regional transport capacity. Meanwhile, container shipping benefits from an oversupply of vessels and boxes, with freight rates returning to pre-pandemic levels, making it an increasingly attractive option for certain use cases. ( Learn more about the difference between Roro Shipping VS. Container Shipping Service )

Conclusion

The number of vehicles a RoRo ship can carry ranges widely, from 1,200 to 9,500 Car Equivalent Units, depending on factors like ship size, deck design, vehicle type, and loading strategies. Roll on roll off shipping remains the preferred method for large-scale automotive exports due to its efficiency and capacity, but it faces challenges from global transport shortages and the push for environmental sustainability. As a result, container shipping is emerging as a flexible complement, particularly for smaller shipments or high-value vehicles. For logistics professionals, understanding these dynamics is key to optimizing supply chains in an ever-evolving industry.

WILSON CARGO has been deeply engaged in the field of electric vehicle roll-on/roll-off transportation for 15 years, and our team has rich working experience. We offer roll-on/roll-off transportation services for electric vehicles and have a long-term and good cooperative relationship with shipowners, which can ensure the timely and stable shipment of goods. Through our electric vehicle roll-on/roll-off transportation solutions, we can bring safety, convenience and economy to our customers. Contact us now for RORO Transport services. ( lucy@ylls.net )

FAQ

Q1: How many decks does a typical RoRo ship have?

A: Most modern RoRo vessels feature 8 to 13 decks, many of which are hoistable to accommodate various vehicle types, from sedans to buses.

Q2: What is a CEU in car shipping?

A: A Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) is the standard unit for measuring RoRo ship capacity, typically equivalent to one standard passenger car.

Q3: Can RoRo ships carry trucks and buses?

A: Yes, many RoRo ships are equipped with heavy-duty decks and reinforced ramps to support the roll on roll off transport of trucks, buses, and construction equipment.

Q4: How long does it take to load/unload a RoRo ship?

A: Loading and unloading times depend on port efficiency and cargo volume but are typically faster than container ships, often completed within a few hours.

Q5: Are RoRo ships environmentally friendly?

A: Newer car carriers increasingly adopt eco-friendly technologies like LNG, methanol, and solar-assisted systems, aligning with IMO emissions standards for greener maritime transport.