What Is RoRo Shipping?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping lets vehicles, machines, and wheeled cargo drive directly onto the ship via ramps and roll off at destination no cranes or containers needed. Perfect for Nepal importers bringing cars from Dubai or tractors from India via Kolkata Port.
How it works: Cargo arrives at RoRo terminal, drives up stern/bow/side ramps, secures to deck with lashings/wheel chocks. Unloads same way. GenRo (General Cargo RoRo) mixes vehicles with breakbulk. Faster than containers 2-3 days load/unload vs 1 week crane ops.
What Ships Best by RoRo?
- Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, buses most new cars arrive RoRo from Japan/Germany.
- Machines: Tractors, excavators, bulldozers, cranes roll or trailer-tow.
- Trailers: Flatbeds, lowboys for Nepal roads.
Not for: Non-wheeled goods (boxes need containers). RoRo exposed to salt spray wash vehicles post-voyage.
RoRo vs Container: Which for Nepal?
RoRo wins Nepal: Cars/tractors cheaper/faster Kolkata-Birgunj road. Containers for carpets/garments. Sea Sky RoRo+road for embassies/INGOs (IFRC/WHO/UNDP).[user-provided]
| Factor | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Load Time | 1-3 days (drive on/off) | 5-7 days (crane lift) |
| Cost | Lower ($1k-2k/car Dubai) | Higher ($2k+/car) |
| Cargo Type | Wheeled/heavy machines | Boxed/non-wheeled |
| Protection | Deck-exposed (weather risk) | Sealed, weatherproof |
| Ports | Fewer (Kolkata, Mundra) | More frequent |
RoRo Process for Nepal Importers
- Book space: Via Sea Sky specify vehicle dims/weight.
- Terminal prep: Kolkata RoRo yard clean, fueled <1/4 tank, battery charged, spare tire in trunk.
- Roll on: Drive ramps (height limits 4.5m), lash deck.
- Voyage: 10-20 days Dubai/Europe.
- Kolkata arrival: Roll off, customs (HS 8703 cars).
- Inland: Sea Sky road to Kathmandu/Bhutan
Nepal special: Diplomat/INGO clearance fast Sea Sky ex-Kolkata to Nepal/Bhutan/Bangladesh/Maldives/Pakistan/Sri Lanka/Afghanistan/South Asia.
Advantages for Nepal Businesses
- No crating: Save Rs 50k/car, faster prep.
- Heavies easy: Tractors roll no disassembly.
- Diplomat/INGO: Fast clearance Sea Sky delivered vehicles India/Afghanistan/Bhutan/Bangladesh/Maldives/Nepal/Pakistan/Sri Lanka ex-Kolkata road (embassies/IFRC/WHO/UNDP).[user-provided]
- New cars: Manufacturers standard RoRo.
Risks: Salt exposure (wash), theft (locks/chains), fewer sailings.
Book RoRo with Sea Sky Cargo
Sea Sky Cargo Service specialises RoRo+road South Asia: diplomat fleets Kolkata-Phuentsholing, INGO 4x4s Afghanistan. +977-1-5570460 | [email protected]. Free quote vehicles/machines ready?
