The transport of an electric car by RoRo ship follows clear international safety rules. The state of charge of the battery, possible dangerous goods classifications and correct documentation in the Bill of Lading are particularly important. In practice, shipping companies usually require a reduced state of charge of the battery, complete vehicle data and tested safety standards during loading. Anyone shipping a roro electric car should therefore be familiar with transport regulations, documents and port processes in order to avoid delays or safety risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
International safety regulations for lithium-ion batteries apply to roro electric car transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The battery usually has to be brought to a reduced state of charge before shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shipping companies require complete documentation including vehicle data and bill of lading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RoRo ships are specially designed for rolling vehicles and enable fast loading and unloading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early coordination with the forwarder and shipping company prevents delays or safety problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The global trade in electric vehicles is growing rapidly. Car manufacturers, dealers and private customers are increasingly having vehicles transported via international sea routes. One of the most efficient methods is RoRo transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RoRo stands for Roll on Roll off and describes ships on which vehicles are driven directly onto the deck via ramps. This method is used worldwide for cars, lorries, construction machinery and special vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the strong growth in electromobility is creating new requirements for maritime transport. The high-voltage batteries of modern electric cars are considered a potential risk, particularly with regard to thermal events or damage during transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That is why the shipping of a roro elektroauto is subject to special international safety guidelines, technical specifications of the shipping companies and clear documentation requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we explain in practical terms which rules apply, how the process works and what shippers should pay particular attention to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RoRo ships are among the most efficient means of transport in the global vehicle trade. Large car carriers, also known as PCTCs, can transport several thousand vehicles at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PCTC stands for Pure Car and Truck Carrier and describes specially designed car transporters with several vehicle decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process of a roro elektroauto transport typically follows several steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vehicle is first brought to the harbour. A technical visual inspection and registration in the harbour system are carried out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In practice, the following is checked<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vehicle identification number<\/p>\n\n\n\n
external condition<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Battery status<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Documentation of the vehicle<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This test is important because RoRo vehicles must be capable of travelling independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the RoRo process, a trained harbour employee drives the vehicle directly into the ship via a ramp. There it is parked and secured on a vehicle deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vehicles are parked close together, which is why clear safety regulations apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a roro electric car in particular, the system checks whether the vehicle is ready for operation and does not display any warning messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the sea voyage, the vehicles remain secured on the decks of the car transporter. Modern RoRo ships are equipped with<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ventilation systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fire monitoring<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Video surveillance<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special safety protocols for electric vehicles<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the port of destination, unloading also takes place via ramps. Vehicles are then transferred to logistics areas or forwarded directly to freight forwarders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scheduled departure and arrival times are usually referred to as ETD and ETA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current routes and departure times can be viewed on the timetables page, for example Lithium ion batteries are generally considered dangerous goods in international transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, electric vehicles are often transported as complete vehicles, which means that different regulations apply than for individual batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The international CTU Code of the International Maritime Organisation forms an important basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IMO CTU Code This guide describes safe packaging and transport methods for cargo units in international transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many shipping companies require a reduced battery charge level for a roro electric car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, this is often between twenty and fifty per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A low state of charge reduces possible risks in the event of a battery defect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also makes handling in the harbour easier, as vehicles can still be driven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An electric vehicle must be roadworthy. Vehicles with technical error messages or damaged batteries are generally not loaded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frequent checks are carried out in practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n No visible damage to battery housings<\/p>\n\n\n\n No warning messages in the vehicle display<\/p>\n\n\n\n No greatly increased state of charge<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some shipping companies use special parking rules for electric vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These can include<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain deck areas for electric vehicles<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greater distances between vehicle groups<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional fire monitoring<\/p>\n\n\n\n International vehicle transport requires several transport documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These documents are important for both the shipping company and the customs authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important transport document is the Bill of Lading or B L.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It confirms<\/p>\n\n\n\n the receipt of the goods<\/p>\n\n\n\n the transport agreement<\/p>\n\n\n\n the proof of ownership during transport<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a roro electric car, the document typically contains<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vehicle identification number<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vehicle type<\/p>\n\n\n\n Port of loading POL<\/p>\n\n\n\n Port of discharge POD<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planned departure and arrival time<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following may also be required<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vehicle registration document or proof of export<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customs documents<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping order<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dangerous goods declaration if required<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/odsorient.com\/fahrplaene<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat regulations apply to electric car batteries in maritime transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.imo.org\/en\/OurWork\/Safety\/Pages\/CTU-Code.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nState of charge of the battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Technical condition of the vehicle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safety distances on the ship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What documents are required for RoRo shipping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bill of Lading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vehicle documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n