Roll-on/roll-off ship

A cargo vessel designed to carry wheeled vehicles and equipment that are driven aboard and ashore using ramps. Its open vehicle decks allow cargo to move between quay and ship without being lifted individually.

Stern ramp: A hinged or fixed ramp at a ship’s stern that connects its vehicle decks to shore or a berth. It is the main loading route on many roll-on/roll-off ships.
RoPax ship: A roll-on/roll-off vessel that carries both passengers and wheeled cargo. It combines vehicle loading with passenger services on ferry routes.
Lift-on/lift-off ship: A cargo ship loaded and unloaded by cranes or other lifting equipment. It handles cargo vertically rather than driving it through ramps.
RoRo terminal: A port facility with berths and ramps for loading and unloading roll-on/roll-off vessels. The ship’s operation depends on compatible shore ramps and vehicle marshalling areas.
Bow visor: A protective movable door covering a ship’s bow opening, often paired with an internal ramp. Some ferries load vehicles through the bow as well as the stern.
Pure car carrier: A vessel designed primarily to transport cars and other light vehicles on multiple enclosed decks. It is a specialized form of vehicle-carrying roll-on/roll-off ship.
Container ship: A cargo vessel designed to carry standardized intermodal containers in cell guides or on deck. Containers are lifted aboard, unlike wheeled cargo on a roll-on/roll-off ship.
Intermodal freight transport: The movement of freight in the same loading unit across multiple transport modes without handling the goods themselves. Trailers and other wheeled units can transfer between ships, roads, and rail.
Vehicle deck: A shipboard deck arranged to carry road vehicles, trailers, or other wheeled cargo. Its layout and clearances shape the vessel’s cargo capacity.
ConRo ship: A cargo ship that combines roll-on/roll-off vehicle capacity with container-carrying space. It accommodates wheeled freight and containers on the same voyage.

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