Roll-On/Roll-Off Ship Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Segment Type (Ferries, Cargo Ships, Barges, and Others), By Application (Commercial and Private), and by Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships are specialized vessels that transport wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers, and other vehicles. These ships have built-in ramps that allow cargo to be driven or rolled on and off the vessel effectively, hence the name "roll-on/roll-off."

The market for Ro-Ro ships is growing due to many important factors. For starters, the global expansion in international trade and globalization has increased demand for efficient and dependable commodities transportation. Ro-Ro ships, which allow for easy loading and unloading, are suitable for transporting wheeled cargo such as automobiles and heavy equipment.

The growing automobile industry is increasing demand for Ro-Ro ships. With expanding vehicle production and consumption worldwide, there is an increased demand for effective logistics solutions to deliver vehicles from manufacturing plants to dealerships or export destinations. Ro-Ro ships provide a cost-effective and secure means of transporting a huge number of vehicles.

However, there are some restraining factors that could stifle the expansion of the Ro-Ro ship business. Fuel price volatility is a key concern since it can affect the operational cost of Ro-Ro ships. Concerns about carbon emissions and environmental damage may also result in stricter laws in the future.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Roll-On/Roll-Off Ship Market

The COVID-19 outbreak caused disruptions in worldwide trade and a drop in economic activity, which directly impacted demand for transport services, particularly Ro-Ro shipping. One of the impacts of the pandemic was the halt in car manufacturing and sales. Many car manufacturing units were temporarily shut down, reducing the requirement for vehicle shipping through Ro-Ro ships. Travel restrictions, lockdown measures, and decreased consumer demand all contributed to the drop in automobile shipments.

Furthermore, the port closures, restrictions on foreign travel, and delays in supply chains posed difficulties for Ro-Ro shipping operators. Also, the financial impact of the pandemic on the global economy impacted overall commerce volumes and consumer spending, which dampened demand for Ro-Ro transportation services. Reduced economic activity and financial restrictions resulted in lower freight volumes and a slowdown in company activities across multiple industries.

Key Insights

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Key Industry Developments – Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships.


• Porter's Five Forces Analysis.


• Technological Developments.


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Roll-On/Roll-Off Ship Market.

Segmentation

Regional Analysis

Europe stands as a prominent region in the Ro-Ro ship market, owing to its well-established automotive industry and robust intra-European trade. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands serve as key hubs for Ro-Ro operations, facilitating the transport of automobiles and other wheeled cargo throughout the continent.

The growth of the Ro-Ro ship market in North America is supported by the region's robust automotive industry and cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico. In the United States, Ro-Ro services are in high demand due to the transportation of automobiles and construction equipment.

Also, the rapid growth of the automotive industry in China, Japan, India, and South Korea makes Asia-Pacific a promising market for Ro-Ro vessels. These countries are significant exporters and manufacturers of automobiles, creating a substantial demand for efficient and dependable Ro-Ro transport.

Key Players Covered

The report includes key players such as CMA CGM, Stena RoRo, Wilhelmsen Group, ARCAmerican, Hoegh Autoliners, Cargomax International, A.E.S Inc., Sallaum Lines, Auto Shippers, IVSS, RORO UK Ltd., Sasco Group, K Line RORO Services Ltd., NYK RORO, and others.

Key Industry Developments

• February 2023: the world's largest double-ended roll-on/roll-off passenger ship, 230.5 meters long and 30.8 meters wide, with a service speed of 20.8 knots, was delivered to its new owner in Guangzhou, China.

• May 2023: CEVA Logistics has inked a new 10-year lease with its parent company, CMA CGM, to increase the Ro-RO vessel capacity available to its global automotive customers. The agreement includes four liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel hybrid deep-sea vessels from Eastern Pacific Shipping that will enable CEVA to transport approximately 140,000 vehicles annually between global markets, particularly China and Europe.