The RoRo Ship: History of A Multipurpose Sea Transportation

The logistics industry is essential for economic growth, but achieving maximum outcomes requires efficient and effective logistics operations.

Efficiency and effectiveness are closely related to transportation. As an archipelago, Indonesia relies heavily on sea transportation to distribute goods between islands.

There are different types of ships that meet this need. One common type used in the logistics industry is the Roll-on/Roll-off, known as RoRo.

RoRo ships are designed to transport vehicles, allowing them to drive directly onto and off the ship. Unlike other ships that require cranes, RoRo ships have ramps, making loading and unloading efficient.

They also have separate areas for passengers, preventing disturbances from truck loading and unloading.

See also: What You Need to Know about RORO Ships: Types and Functions in Logistics

Furthermore, many RoRo ships offer passenger accommodations, similar to military landing craft, tanks (LCT) used to transport armored vehicles.

In Indonesia, RoRo ships can be used for transportation on rivers, lakes, and across straits. But they are mainly used for crossing straits and coastal areas.

Transporting Everything from Railcars to Military Equipment

The long-standing use of RoRo ships demonstrates their effectiveness, efficiency, and durability. Their history began in 1850 in Scotland during the peak of steam locomotive use.

Initially designed to transport railcars on tracks built into the ship’s deck, RoRo ships have since expanded their use in the Baltic and Mediterranean regions and played a crucial role in transporting tanks and other military vehicles during World War II.

RoRo ships were first used for commercial shipping (cargo) in the 1950s. Since then, they have been integrated with the development of land transportation, such as cars, buses, and trucks.

See also: Some Common Issues in the Logistics Industry

So, companies that use logistics services between islands should consider how effective and efficient RoRo ships are for sea transportation.

To ensure a reliable service, choose a professional and reliable Shipping Agency like SELOG SELOG currently operates two RoRo ships, Serasi III and Serasi V, which are capable of handling inter-island cargo distribution.

A subsdiary of PT Serasi Autoraya, SELOG provides end-to-end logistics through diverse services to meet customers’ needs, including Contract Logistics, Shipping Services, Shipping Agency, Freight Forwarding, Warehouse and Yard Management, and Courier Services.

Driven by the latest digital technologies, SELOG Services not only bring greater convenience to your business but are also practical and efficient.

See also: Standard Warehouse Management Practices: What You Need to Know

With its Astra Fleet Management Solution (FMS), SELOG provides businesses in Indonesia with IT-based comprehensive solutions for managing fleet vehicles.