A structured roro lashing checklist is crucial for the safe shipment of heavy and high cargo on RoRo and PCTC ships. It includes technical inspection of attachment points, correct lashing equipment selection, documentation such as B/L and loading instructions as well as coordination with the shipping company and terminal. Errors in lashing often lead to delays, damage or liability risks. With clear processes, checked load attachment points and complete documentation, you minimise risks and ensure smooth operations.
RoRo transport is considered efficient and flexible. Vehicles, construction machinery, project cargo or overheight equipment are loaded via ramps and secured on special decks. However, the requirements for lashing and securing increase considerably, especially for heavy and high cargo.
In contrast to container shipments, securing is carried out directly on the ship's floor or on MAFI trailers. Incorrect lashing can lead to movement during the voyage, especially in heavy seas. In practice, it is often the case that unclear responsibilities or inadequate preparation in the POL lead to costly delays.
A structured roro lashing checklist creates clarity and reduces operational risks.
Lashing describes the lashing of the load with chains, straps or tensioning systems. Securing also includes blocking, wedges, welding points or special brackets.
Different systems are used for RoRo and PCTC ships:
The requirements depend on the weight, centre of gravity, dimensions and route. According to the UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2025, the requirements for cargo securing are also increasing as project cargo volumes rise
https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2025overview_en.pdf
The following data is required before delivery:
This data flows into the load planning and determines the deck position and lashing concept.
You can find additional preparation in the loading checklist: Error-free into the RORO harbour
https://odsorient.com/beladungs%E2%80%91checkliste-fehlerfrei-in-den-roro%E2%80%91hafen
Non-roadworthy or oversized goods are often placed on MAFI trailers. These enable flexible manoeuvring on board.
The terminal or ship team attaches lashing chains at defined points. The decisive factors are
A visual inspection is carried out after completion. Photos and lashing protocols are often created for security purposes.
The B L contains information on POL and POD, goods description and weight. Unclear or incorrect information can lead to changes in the stowage plan.
The shipping company often charges for overheight units:
Detailed instructions on the roro lashing checklist should be set out in writing.
Deviations in ETD can have an impact on cut-off times in the terminal. Late deliveries often lead to rebookings.
For individual costs and transport options, we recommend a direct enquiry via the quote calculator
https://odsorient.com/angebotsrechner
Incorrectly declared centres of gravity lead to inadequate security.
In practice, it is often the case that machines do not have certified lashing eyelets.
High Cargo sometimes exceeds the deck heights of PCTC ships.
If Securing does not meet the shipping company's specifications, reworking is carried out at the port of destination with a loss of time.
A clearly defined roro lashing checklist reduces these risks considerably.
This structured roro lashing checklist serves as a practice-orientated guide.
The focus is on weight and ground pressure. The decisive factors are
Height is the main focus here:
Both categories require individual security concepts.
Pure Car and Truck Carrier PCTCs have several adjustable decks. Decks are often fixed or customised for project loads.
The flexibility of these ships makes them attractive for:
At the same time, the requirements for lashing plans are increasing.
A structured checklist for securing rolling or non-rolling cargo on RoRo vessels.
Depending on the agreement, shipping company, terminal or shipper. The responsibility should be clearly regulated in the contract.
Depending on weight, route and type of ship. The shipping company specifies minimum requirements.
Possible consequences are transport damage, delays, additional costs and liability claims.
Transport insurance is strongly recommended for Heavy & High Cargo.
Heavy & high cargo requires precise planning, technical preparation and clear communication between shipper, forwarder, terminal and shipping company.
A standardised roro lashing checklist reduces operational risks, prevents delays in POL and POD and creates transparency along the entire transport chain.
As every project has individual requirements, safety concepts should always be checked and coordinated in detail. A personalised offer is required for a precise assessment of the route, equipment and costs.
All information in this article has been carefully researched but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the topicality, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
A structured roro lashing checklist is crucial for the safe shipment of heavy and high cargo on RoRo and PCTC ships. It includes technical inspection of attachment points, correct lashing equipment selection, documentation such as B/L and loading instructions as well as coordination with the shipping company and terminal. Errors in lashing often lead to delays, damage or liability risks. With clear processes, tested load attachment points and [...]
A mafi trailer roro is a specially designed rolling platform for the transport of non-roadworthy goods on RoRo ships. It is moved in the terminal by terminal tractor units and enables the safe shipment of construction machinery, project cargo and oversized units. Typical advantages are high load capacity, flexible dimensions and efficient processes in the RoRo terminal. To ensure smooth handling, correct documents such as [...]
