CLdN is increasing capacity on the route between Liverpool and Dublin by 25 % by deploying new ro-ro ships with four decks and 3,700 loading metres. This makes it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions per transported tonne by up to 50 %. Ferry Shipping News+1Ferry Shipping News+1
Western Ferries has commissioned the construction of two new ferries for the route between Gourock and Dunoon. The contracts were signed on 6 May 2025. Ferry Shipping News
Lakeway Link will start a new RoRo service between Gdynia (Poland) and Södertälje (Sweden) on 21 May 2025. Three weekly departures are planned in each direction. Shippax
RoRo freight volumes fell by 0.6 % compared to the previous year. This is due to the temporary closure of the port of Holyhead at the beginning of 2025, with a full reopening planned for 1 July 2025. Ferry Shipping News
Fred. Olsen Express has commissioned a third RoRo ship to increase freight capacity on the route to La Palma. Ferry Shipping News+1Shipping Telegraph+1
Finnlines is implementing a graphene-based hull coating called XGIT-FUEL on its RoRo and RoPax fleet. This measure is expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by around 7 %. Shippax
Wallenius Wilhelmsen has extended an existing contract with a European car manufacturer by five years. The contract, worth USD 380 million, began on 1 April 2025 and secures long-term capacity for vehicle transport. MarineLink
The Danish shipping company DFDS has been selected as the preferred provider for freight and passenger services to Jersey. This contract strengthens DFDS' position in the UK RoRo market and expands its presence in the Channel Islands. WorldCargo News
On 2 January 2025, an explosion occurred in the engine room of the Smyril Line ro-ro ship "Glyvursnes" in the port of Hirtshals, Denmark. One crew member was killed and two others were injured. The ship was repaired and has resumed operations on the route between the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark. Wikipedia
Chinese car manufacturer BYD has added two new LNG-powered ships to its RoRo fleet. The "BYD Xi'an" was launched on 2 April 2025, while the "BYD Shenzhen" embarked on its maiden voyage. Both ships can transport over 7,000 vehicles and are part of a USD 687 million investment programme to expand the fleet. Offshore Energy
Italian shipping company Grimaldi has taken delivery of the "Eco Napoli", the 14th and final ship in its Green 5th Generation (GG5G) RoRo class. The hybrid ship can carry up to 7,800 loading metres and, thanks to state-of-the-art technology, reduces CO₂ emissions by 50 % per transported unit. MarineLink
United Global Ro-Ro, a joint venture between Noatum Maritime and Erkport, commissioned its first LNG-powered ro-ro vessel "UGR Al Samha" on 11 April 2025. With a capacity of over 7,000 CEU, the vessel will be deployed on routes in the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean, supporting sustainable logistics solutions. noatummaritime.com+1Offshore Energy+1
Höegh Autoliners has the purchase option for the RoRo ship Höegh Copenhagen and acquires it for USD 36.5 million - well below the market value of USD 79 million. Financing is being provided via existing credit lines. The vessel, which was built in 2010 and has a capacity of 7,850 CEU, remains a central element of the Deep Sea fleet.investors.hoeghautoliners.com
RoRo specialist Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed two major contracts with car manufacturers:
The agreements include comprehensive logistics services and emphasise the trust that customers place in the long-term partnership.FreightWaves
Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, shipping companies such as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd continue to avoid the Red Sea due to the ongoing threat from Houthi rebels. Instead, longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope are being used, leading to increased costs and longer transit times.THE WORLD+2THE WORLD+2THE WORLD+2
Höegh Autoliners has reduced its share capital by NOK 2.63 billion in order to make strategic investments in the acquisition of new vessels below market value. This measure is aimed at modernising the fleet and strengthening the market position.Stock Exchange Express
RoRo operators benefit from long-term contracts that provide them with a stable source of income. Wallenius reported an increase in net profit of USD 9 % to USD 1.1 billion in 2024, indicating the positive impact of these contracts.Journal of Commerce
Ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea are causing considerable disruption to global supply chains. Shipping companies such as Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are forced to use alternative routes via the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in longer transit times and higher costs.DISPO
Study on wind propulsion technologies for ships published 📄🌬️
📌 A new study analyses the market potential and barriers for wind propulsion technologies in shipping. It identifies various technologies such as Flettner rotors and towing kites that can contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Source: CE Delft study
NYK Line tests hydrogen propulsion on RoRo ship 🔋🚢
📌 The Japanese shipping company NYK Line is starting a pilot test with hydrogen propulsion on one of its RoRo ships to explore alternative energy sources.
Source: NYK Line
Port of Antwerp relies on automated RoRo handling 🤖⚓
📌 The port of Antwerp is implementing an automated system for handling RoRo vehicles to increase efficiency and safety.
Source: Port of Antwerp
Neptun Werft expands capacities for engine room modules 🏗️🔧
📌 The Neptun shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde is building a new hall to increase productivity in the construction of engine room modules. This expansion supports the construction of cruise ships with more environmentally friendly propulsion technologies such as LNG and fuel cells.
Source: Discount ship
MOL tests LNG-powered ro-ro ships ⛽🛳️
📌 The Japanese shipping company MOL is trialling the use of LNG as a fuel for its RoRo fleet in order to reduce emissions and increase environmental friendliness.
Source: MOL News
Finnlines receives environmental certification for new ships 🌱📄
📌 Finnlines has received environmental certification for its new RoRo ships, which confirms the use of sustainable technologies and materials.
Source: Finnlines
RoRo Congress 2025 in Zeebrugge announced 📅🌍
📌 The RoRo Congress 2025 will take place on 24 April in Zeebrugge, Belgium. The event will explore maritime trends that are reshaping the RoRo and RoPax markets, including fleet diversification, scaling, emissions regulations and digital innovation.
Source: WorldCargo News
Kongsberg Maritime develops autonomous RoRo ship 🤖🚢
📌 The Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime is working on an autonomous RoRo ship that is designed to make freight transport more efficient and safer.
Source: Kongsberg Maritime
Port of Gothenburg focuses on digitalisation 📱⚓
📌 The Port of Gothenburg is implementing a new digital system to optimise RoRo logistics processes and reduce waiting times.
Source: Port of Gothenburg
Nanjing Port receives approval for automotive terminal 🚗⚓
📌 The port of Nanjing has received export approval for its automotive terminal. This development will significantly facilitate the automotive trade in the region and increase the export volume of Chinese vehicles.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
Grimaldi Group invests in green technologies 🌿🚢
📌 The Italian Grimaldi Group announces investments in low-emission technologies for its RoRo fleet, including hybrid drives and shore power connections.
Source: Grimaldi Group
Höegh Autoliners tests wind drive systems 🌬️🛳️
Höegh Autoliners launches pilot projects with Flettner rotors on selected RoRo ships to reduce fuel consumption.
Source: Höegh Autoliners
Wallenius SOL takes over Mann Lines 🚢🤝
📌 Wallenius SOL has announced the acquisition of Mann Lines to strengthen its market presence in the RoRo segment. This acquisition expands the route network and improves transport capacity in Northern Europe.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
New RoRo terminal planned in Emden 🏗️🇩🇪
📌 The port of Emden is planning to build a new RoRo terminal in order to handle the increasing export of vehicles more efficiently.
Source: Port of Emden
DFDS expands its fleet with two new ro-ro ships ⚓🚛
📌 The Danish shipping company DFDS has ordered two new ro-ro ships to increase its capacity on the North Sea and Baltic Sea routes.
Source: DFDS News
📌 Wallenius SOL has announced the acquisition of Mann Lines to strengthen its market presence in the RoRo segment. This acquisition expands the route network and improves transport capacities in Northern Europe.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
📌 The harbour of Nanjing has received export approval for its automotive terminal. This development will significantly facilitate the automotive trade in the region and increase the export volume of Chinese vehicles.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
📌 A new ConRo ship with wind propulsion was successfully put into service. This innovation is an important step towards more sustainable shipping and reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
📌 Wallenius Wilhelmsen has signed a long-term contract to operate the RoRo terminal in Gothenburg. This step secures the future of the terminal as a central hub for RoRo transport in Scandinavia.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
📌 DFDS has been selected as the preferred provider for the provision of freight and passenger ferry services to Jersey.worldcargonews.com
📌 EUKOR Car Carriers has signed a five-year contract worth USD 4.2 billion with Hyundai Motor and Kia, which will increase export volumes from Korea and China.worldcargonews.com
📌 The Grimaldi Group has taken delivery of the latest ship in its G5 class, the Great Cotonou. This ship will serve a new route between China and Nigeria from January 2025.worldcargonews.com
📌 Analysts are forecasting a volatile market for car carriers in 2025 due to an increase in fleet supply of 11 % and geopolitical factors such as increased EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.marinelink.com
📌 The Grimaldi Group has launched the latest ship in its G5 class, the Great Cotonou, was received. This ship will serve a new route between China and Nigeria from January 2025, thus strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
Source: WorldCargo News
📌 EUKOR Car Carriers has signed a five-year contract worth USD 4.2 billion with Hyundai Motor and Kia. This deal will significantly increase export volumes from Korea and China and consolidate EUKOR's position in the global automotive transport market.
Source: WorldCargo News
📌 Wallenius Wilhelmsen has officially opened its South Atlantic Hub in Brunswick. With a 20-year lease agreement with the Georgia Ports Authority, the company is strengthening its presence in the American market and expanding its activities in the South Atlantic.
Source: MarineLink
📌 The Norwegian shipping company Höegh Autoliners has joined forces with the Australian Fortescue Group to promote the introduction of green ammonia as an environmentally friendly marine fuel. This initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the shipping industry.
Source: Höegh Autoliners
📌 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised concerns about Qube's planned purchase of the Melbourne International RoRo & Auto Terminal. There are fears that this deal could harm competition by increasing costs and reducing service quality for competing car stevedoring companies.
Source: Reuters
WALLENIUS SOL takes over British RoRo operator
📌 The Swedish shipping company WALLENIUS SOL has acquired the British ro-ro operator Mann Lines. With this acquisition, WALLENIUS SOL is expanding its customer base, service offerings and presence in key markets.
Houthi rebels release crew of Galaxy Leader after more than a year
📌 The Galaxy Leader hijacked by Houthi rebels in November 2023 was released after more than a year. The crew was handed over in cooperation with Oman, which took place in the context of the recently agreed ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen opens terminal in Brunswick
📌 Wallenius Wilhelmsen has officially opened its South Atlantic Hub in Brunswick. With a 20-year lease agreement with the Georgia Ports Authority, the company is strengthening its position in the American market and expanding its activities in the South Atlantic.
High demand for RoRo transport for construction machinery
📌 Demand for agricultural and construction vehicles is growing in Africa and South America. Manufacturers such as John Deere are increasingly relying on RoRo shipments to avoid supply chain problems. (lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com)
Container market remains stable despite geopolitical tensions
📌 Despite ongoing uncertainties in the Suez Canal, demand for container transport remains high. Shipping companies such as Hapag-Lloyd are increasingly focussing on alternative routes. (seatrade-maritime.com)
Major projects in South America drive flatrack demand
📌 Infrastructure projects in Brazil and Peru are fuelling demand for flatrack containers for transporting heavy machinery and components. (splash247.com)
Increase in vehicle shipments to North America
📌 The demand for RoRo transport for vehicles is increasing significantly. US car manufacturers are increasing production, while sales of electric vehicles are booming. Shipping companies such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen are expanding their capacities. (lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com)
Container freight rates rise due to detours in the Red Sea
📌 Persistent attacks on ships in the Red Sea are forcing shipping companies to take detours via the Cape of Good Hope. This extends transport times and drives up freight rates. (seatrade-maritime.com)
Flatrack bottlenecks due to congested harbours in Europe and Asia
📌 Capacity problems in European and Asian ports are leading to delays in special transports. Large machines and vehicles that are shipped with flatracks are particularly affected. (splash247.com)
Rising costs for ship insurance in 2025
⚡ Experts report a significant increase in insurance premiums for ro-ro ships. This is due to stricter environmental regulations and increased risks on global trade routes. (maritime-executive.com)
Increased efficiency through digitalisation in port operations
⚡ Ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp are testing the use of AI-controlled systems to speed up the loading and unloading of RoRo ships. Initial tests show a reduction in handling times of 15 %. (porttechnology.org)
UN calls for more measures to secure shipping routes
⚠️ Following repeated attacks in the Red Sea, the UN has passed a resolution calling for greater international cooperation to secure trade routes. (un.org)
Increase in RoRo capacity expected in Northern Europe
⚡ According to a study by Drewry, the capacity of ro-ro ships in Northern Europe will increase by 20 % by 2027. This is due to the expansion of harbours and the introduction of new ships. (drewry.co.uk)
Debate about future fuels in RoRo shipping
⚡ Industry experts continue to discuss the best alternatives to fossil fuels. While methanol and ammonia are gaining in importance, hydrogen is also seen as promising. (seatrade-maritime.com)
Safety risks on important shipping routes
⚠️ Attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea have reignited the debate about stronger security measures in the shipping industry. (lloydslist.com)
New IMO rules for emission reductions come into force in 2025
⚡ The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has introduced new regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in shipping. Among other things, the rules require the use of cleaner fuels and energy-efficient technologies. (imo.org)
Growth in the RoRo sector due to increasing demand for electric vehicles
⚡ The transport of electric vehicles (EVs) via RoRo ships recorded growth of 15 % in 2024. This is due to growing demand in Europe and North America. (automotivelogistics.media)
Extreme weather affects global shipping routes
⚠️ Unusually strong storms in the North Sea and Atlantic led to delays in global shipping traffic at the beginning of January. RoRo shipping was particularly affected. (reuters.com)
Stena RoRo takes over "Guillaume de Normandie"
⚡ Stena RoRo has taken delivery of the twelfth ship in the E-Flexer series from the Chinese shipyard CMI Jinling (Weihai). The Guillaume de Normandie will be chartered to Brittany Ferries on a long-term basis and will be deployed on the Portsmouth - Caen route from April 2025. The ship has a 12 MWh battery system for emission-free harbour operations.
Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea on the rise
⚠️ In December 2024, several attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea were reported, jeopardising security in this important shipping route.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen secures major order worth USD 766 million
⚙️ The world's largest RoRo operator, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, has signed a five-year contract with a manufacturer of agricultural, forestry and road construction machinery that includes comprehensive shipping and logistics services.
RoRo carriers expect continued high demand and profits
Leading RoRo operators such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Höegh Autoliners reported record profits and revenues last year and are forecasting further increases in 2024 due to strong vehicle exports and high freight rates.
Grimaldi expands hybrid RoRo fleet
🚢 The Grimaldi Group has acquired the Eco Salerno took delivery of its 13th hybrid RoRo ship in the GG5G series from the Chinese Jinling shipyard in Nanjing. The ship is equipped with environmentally friendly technologies to reduce emissions.
COSCO puts largest green RoRo ships into service
🌱 COSCO Shipping Specialised Carriers has commissioned the world's largest ro-ro ships, the "Liao He Kou" and "Min Jiang Kou", with capacities for 7,500 vehicles on 13 decks. These ships set new standards for environmentally friendly shipping.
1st Egyptian-Italian RoRo shipping route opened
The opening of a new RoRo connection between Egypt and Italy is intended to promote the export of Egyptian agricultural products to Europe. According to the Egyptian Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel el Wazir, this connection will open up new markets for Egyptian exports.
👉 To the original article on SIS
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister Kamel El-Wazir launched the maiden voyage of the new RoRo line between Egypt and Italy. This connection is intended to facilitate trade between the two countries and expand export opportunities for Egyptian products.
👉 To the original article on Ahram Online
3rd DP World doubles capacity and opens new RoRo terminal
DP World Romania has increased the container capacity at the Black Sea port of Constanța to 1.5 million TEU. In addition, a new RoRo terminal was opened that can handle up to 80,000 vehicles per year. These investments promote new trade flows, particularly with Turkey and Georgia.
👉 To the original article on Reuters
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expressed concerns about the planned takeover of the RoRo terminal in Melbourne by Qube. It is feared that this takeover could increase the cost of port access for competing companies and worsen the quality of services.
1 Peel Ports invests £30 million in new RoRo terminal in Sheerness
Peel Ports Group has announced plans to invest £30 million in the construction of a new RoRo berth at the Port of Sheerness. This project is designed to accommodate larger RoRo vessels over 230 metres in length. Construction work will start in March 2025, with completion scheduled for summer 2025. The aim is to expand the capacity for handling vehicles, timber and construction machinery.
Source: All About Shipping - Peel Ports Invest
2nd DFDS finalises acquisition of Ekol Logistics' international network
The acquisition of the Turkish logistics company Ekol Logistics significantly strengthens DFDS' RoRo network. Headquartered in Istanbul, Ekol expands the service offering, enabling DFDS to serve new markets and routes.
Source: Shippax - DFDS Acquisition
3 Scandlines and Caterpillar engines investigate methanol utilisation
Scandlines and Caterpillar Motoren have entered into a partnership to investigate methanol as a fuel for ferries. The aim is to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and create more sustainable propulsion solutions for the Rostock-Gedser route.
Source: Shippax - Methanol Study
1. persistently high freight rates:
Freight rates in the RoRo industry remain at an all-time high despite a slight decline in demand for vehicles and machinery. Factors such as limited capacity, port congestion and rising operating costs are driving up prices. Companies must therefore adjust their logistics plans, which increases the complexity and cost structures in the industry.
Source: Lloyd's List - Freight Rates Soaring
2. charter rates drive costs:
Charter rates for ro-ro ships remain extremely high, which is putting pressure on smaller market players in particular. Shipping companies are looking for long-term strategies to remain competitive, while rising costs pose a challenge for the entire industry.
Source: Splash247 - High Charter Costs
3. market forecasts stabilise:
Despite global economic uncertainties, demand for RoRo services remains robust. The shipping of heavy machinery and specialised vehicles in particular remains stable, which indicates the versatility of RoRo ships. Industry experts assume that the RoRo transport method will continue to play a central role in global trade in the future.
Source: JOC.com - RoRo Demand Outlook
1 MSC returns to the vehicle transport market:
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's largest logistics providers, has announced the acquisition of Gram Car Carriers for USD 698 million. This strategic move marks MSC's return to the vehicle transport market and significantly strengthens its position in the RoRo industry. By adding state-of-the-art RoRo vessels to its fleet, MSC shows confidence in the long-term importance of rolling cargo, even in a market characterised by uncertainties regarding vehicle production.
Source: JOC.com - MSC returns to vehicle carrier market
2. growth in the harbour of Brunswick:
The Port of Brunswick in Georgia, USA, has seen impressive growth in RoRo traffic. Thanks to increasing demand for vehicle imports and a recovery from the global semiconductor crisis, the port has been able to significantly increase its trade volume. Brunswick is increasingly becoming an important hub for rolling cargo in North America, thanks to the port's efficient infrastructure and strategic location.
Source: Splash247 - Brunswick Port Expansion
3. record high order books for car transporters:
Demand for RoRo ships remains high and the order books for new car carriers have reached record levels. Shipping companies are increasingly investing in the expansion of their fleet capacities in order to meet future requirements. This is happening despite a predicted slowdown in global vehicle production, which emphasises the continued importance of the RoRo industry for global trade.
