by Dirk Visser, Senior Shipping Consultant and Managing Editor

Dynamar

Investment in conventional roll-on/roll-off tonnage in general, and in ships able to simultaneously carry containers and ro-ro cargo units in particular, peaked in the 1970s when the developing world was not as advanced as it is today.

Congestion in poorly equipped ports was at that time the order of the day. In contrast, ro-ros, taking up minimum quay space, could quickly discharge their cargo and take on new loads, including containers, with the use of their own handling machinery.

It made the ro-ro the ideal congestion-beating transport system. But as shipping changed, so did ro-ros, con-ros, as well as their closest relatives - vehicle carriers.

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