Discover safe RoRo transport solutions for heavy-duty machinery - efficient, plannable and usable worldwide.

Why RoRo is the ideal means of transport for heavy-duty machinery

Roll-on/roll-off explained: how loading on specialised ships works

In the roll-on/roll-off process, known as RoRo for short, heavy-duty machinery is driven directly onto the ship or loaded using special platforms. These ships have stable ramps and decks that are specially designed for rollable and oversized loads. This means: no crane, no container, no time-consuming loading with heavy-duty equipment.
The machines remain on their own wheels, chains or on mobile platforms during the entire transport. This minimises the risk of damage and speeds up loading considerably. RoRo is the preferred choice in international heavy goods logistics, especially for oversized machines or vehicles of exceptional weight.

Advantages over container and flat rack solutions

Compared to containers or flat rack solutions, RoRo offers decisive advantages. With container solutions, size and weight are often limited by container dimensions. Flat racks can be considered for larger machines, but loading them usually requires cranes and special securing techniques, which increase the effort and costs involved.
RoRo ships, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility for oversized and extremely heavy machinery. Rolling loading saves time, reduces risks and enables the transport of machines that would otherwise be difficult to accommodate. There is also no need for time-consuming packing and unpacking - the machine remains accessible and ready for use.

Typical areas of application: From construction machinery to industrial plants

RoRo special transports are suitable for a wide range of industries and applications. Typical examples are
- Construction machinery such as excavators, wheel loaders, cranes and crawler vehicles
- Agricultural machinery such as combine harvesters or tractors
- Industrial plants or large-volume production machines
- Specialised vehicles for the mining or energy sector
- Heavy-duty modules for infrastructure projects
Whether individual machines or entire fleets - RoRo makes the transport of large-format technology safe and economical.

What to consider when planning heavy goods transport by RoRo

Dimensions, weight and technical requirements at a glance

Every detail is important when transporting special heavy-duty machinery. Dimensions, weight, rolling ability and centre of gravity shifts must be precisely calculated. Machines with excess width or height require special authorisations and special precautions on board.
Technical requirements such as blocking moving parts, draining liquids or securing attachments are essential to avoid transport damage. A detailed loading profile should be drawn up in good time to avoid surprises on the day of loading.

Ports with RoRo capacities for large and heavy goods transport

Not every harbour is designed for heavy-duty RoRo shipments. Specialised terminals with sufficient space, load-bearing ramps and experienced personnel are required. The most important RoRo ports for heavy-duty machinery include
- Hamburg and Bremerhaven
- Antwerp and Zeebrugge
- Southampton and Le Havre
Careful port selection saves costs and minimises the risk of delays.

Why early planning saves time and money

Time is money - this is especially true for heavy goods transport. Those who plan early have more leeway when selecting connections, can take advantage of favourable time slots and avoid expensive express or special solutions. Early planning also reduces the risk that the necessary authorisations or slots in the port will not be available in time.

The most important documents and formalities for special RoRo transport

Customs documents and vehicle data - what really counts

Nothing works without proper documentation. The most important documents include
- Customs documents such as export declarations, carnets or import licences
- Vehicle or machine data sheets with technical specifications
These documents must be correct and complete in order to guarantee a smooth process.

Requirements for international transport outside the EU

Anyone transporting machinery across EU borders must comply with additional regulations. These include
- Customs requirements of the destination country
- Technical import regulations
- Safety certificates or test reports
It is advisable to clarify legal requirements in advance, especially for emerging and developing countries, in order to avoid expensive returns or customs clearance problems.

Avoid sources of error: What freight forwarders and customers should look out for

Typical errors are
- Incomplete or incorrect chassis numbers
- Incorrect information on weight or dimensions
- Delayed or missing documents at customs or shipping company
Only complete coordination between the shipper, freight forwarder and consignee can help here - ideally documented and confirmed.

This is how the loading process works for heavy-duty machines

On-site check and technical preparation of the machines

Before the machine is loaded, a technical on-site check is carried out. This involves checking that all moving parts are secured and that the machine is ready for transport.

Securing and load restraint on the RoRo ship

As soon as the machine is on board, the load is secured professionally. The machines are secured with heavy-duty lashing straps, wedges and blocking devices. This ensures that they remain secure even in rough seas.
Experienced teams on board carry out this task in accordance with strict safety guidelines to prevent damage.

Unloading at the port of destination and handover to the recipient

At the port of destination, the machine is taken directly from the ship or handed over to specialised handling services. After customs clearance, it is handed over to the recipient, who either uses the machine on site or transports it onwards.

Best practices for the smooth handling of special RoRo transports

Cooperation with experienced specialised forwarding agents

An experienced partner knows the pitfalls of the heavy goods business. He takes care of it:
- Route planning
- Authorisations
- Document processing
- Coordination of all parties involved
This means that transport is not a risk, but a plannable logistics solution.

Communication with all stakeholders along the supply chain

Open and transparent communication is the key. All parties - from the machine manufacturer to the freight forwarder to the port operator - should be informed about the current status. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and optimise processes.

Checklist for customers: How to optimally prepare your machine

- Provide complete technical data
- Check machine for rolling capability
- Securing or dismantling attachments
- Drain fluids if necessary
- Organise protective packaging
- Provide all documents before loading
With these measures, your heavy-duty machine is optimally prepared for RoRo transport and reaches its destination safely.