RoRo Shipping

Yes. Non-running units (e.g. trailers, machines without power, or off-road vehicles) are often towed or loaded via forklift or crane onto a roll-trailer trailer (also called a Mafi trailer) before rolling onto the ship. bluegate arranges these special lifts and ensures safe lashing. Similarly, very heavy or oversized items (lifting gear, tanks, agricultural machines) can be shipped on a RoRo vessel that accepts high-cube cargo. Our partners operate heavy-lift RoRo ships for such cargo.

We’ll need VIN (chassis) number, copy of the vehicle’s registration papers and commercial invoice to place the booking and arrange the customs documents on your behalf.

Many countries now enforce pre-shipment checks. In Europe, vehicles should be free of agricultural soil or plant material. So, all machines must be cleaned to remove soil or any rubbish (some ports can fine or quarantine dirty equipment).

To secure space on a RoRo sailing, booking should be done several weeks before your target departure. Many lines need final cargo lists and documents at least 7–14 days in advance. Each port has a strict cut-off: typically vehicles must be at the terminal 3–5 days before vessel loading. For example, Antwerp requires cars delivered at least 48 hours before the ship sails.

Transit times vary by destination and route. Direct Europe–Middle East voyages usually take 10–20 days, while West/East Africa might take 3–5 weeks. Many RoRo lines do stopovers; for instance, a ship might call in Mediterranean ports before heading to Africa. Each transshipment adds port time (and small risk of delay). We generally book the most direct available service, but note that multi-port calls are common on RoRo routes.

RoRo is best for used vehicles when vehicles and machinery can roll on wheels; container shipping is typically used for non-wheeled goods or when you need extra protection. For example, a used car might go RoRo (fast and cheaper), but a classic or luxury car requiring enclosed transport could go in an ISO container. Also, if you’re shipping pallets of parts or cars together with other boxed goods, a container might be better.

Yes. Once the booking is confirmed, we will provide you with delivery instructions. In this case, you can drive the unit to the port of anwerp for example. We will then ensure your vehicle is shipped on board.

RoRo charges include: basic ocean freight (per vehicle/m^3), port terminal handling fees (loading/offloading), customs customs export fees, and inland trucking. Additional costs may arise for roll-trailers (MAFI) for heavy cargo, daily demurrage if shipments are late, and documentation fees. Typically, port fees and terminal handling account for a significant part of the cost (often several hundred dollars per vehicle). Bluegate’s quote will itemize these so you see transport, terminal, and any special equipment charges. Always compare the total (inc. handling fees and trucking) when budgeting.

RoRo freight is usually charged per length-meter (L/M). You multiply the length of your cargo (in meters) by the carrier’s base L/M rate. Usually, carriers assume a fixed width (2.50 m) and height (3.80 m) per L/M, and up to about 40 tonnes weight. For example, a 6 m long truck would be booked as 6 L/M. If your vehicle or equipment is longer, taller or heavier than these defaults, extra charges apply: e.g. over-height/over-width might need a bigger deck space, or overweight might trigger a special tariff.

Common surcharges include: BAF (fuel adjustment) – usually a percentage of the base freight reflecting fuel costs; THC (Terminal Handling Charge) – a flat fee per vehicle to cover port loading/unloading costs; ETS/GRI (Emergency Tariff / General Rate Increase) – one-time or scheduled flat fees per unit used when markets tighten; ISPS (Security Fee); Documentation Fee – small flat charge for processing documents; daily fines (e.g. €25–€50/day) if cargo overstays at port, usually paid by the party causing delay.

Contact us with the shipment details, including dimensions and weight of the vehicle or machinery, origin address in Europe or preferred port of loading, destination, and whether the unit is wheeled or tracked and operational. We will provide a clear quotation covering inland pickup (if required), port handling, and ocean freight. In most cases, you receive our offer within one working day.