The Top 15 RoRo Routes Worldwide

August 15, 2024

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping routes are the arteries of global trade, enabling the seamless transportation of wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, and machinery across the world’s oceans. These specialized ships are essential for the automotive industry, heavy machinery manufacturers, and even military logistics, providing a reliable and efficient means of moving goods. With the demand for RoRo services steadily increasing, certain routes have emerged as key players in the global logistics network. Let’s explore the top 15 RoRo routes worldwide.

1. Europe to West Africa Route

The Europe to West Africa RoRo route is one of the most crucial corridors for vehicle exports. This route is particularly significant for the export of used cars, trucks, and construction equipment from Europe to various West African nations.

Key Ports: Antwerp (Belgium), Hamburg (Germany), Lagos (Nigeria), Tema (Ghana)
Cargo: Primarily used cars, trucks, construction machinery
Trade Importance: Supports the automotive markets in West Africa, which rely heavily on imported vehicles
Challenges: Navigating political instability, port congestion, and customs regulations in West African ports

2. Japan to Southeast Asia Route

As a major hub for automotive manufacturing, Japan’s RoRo routes to Southeast Asia are vital for the export of new vehicles. This route is highly organized, with a focus on delivering high volumes of cars to emerging markets in the region.

Key Ports: Yokohama (Japan), Laem Chabang (Thailand), Manila (Philippines), Jakarta (Indonesia)
Cargo: New cars, motorcycles, heavy machinery
Trade Importance: Facilitates the distribution of Japanese vehicles across rapidly growing markets in Southeast Asia
Challenges: Seasonal monsoons, port infrastructure limitations, and varying import regulations

3. North America to Europe Route

The RoRo route between North America and Europe is a critical link for the automotive industry, especially for high-end vehicles and heavy machinery. This route supports transatlantic trade, connecting major manufacturing hubs in the U.S. and Canada with consumer markets in Europe.

Key Ports: Baltimore (USA), Bremerhaven (Germany), Southampton (UK), Zeebrugge (Belgium)
Cargo: Luxury cars, trucks, agricultural and construction equipment
Trade Importance: Crucial for luxury vehicle brands and industrial equipment manufacturers targeting European markets
Challenges: Harsh North Atlantic weather conditions, stringent environmental regulations, and high operational costs

4. South Korea to the Middle East Route

South Korea, home to major automotive giants, utilizes this route to export vehicles and heavy equipment to the Middle East. This route is significant for both new and used vehicles, catering to markets with high demand for automotive imports.

Key Ports: Busan (South Korea), Jebel Ali (UAE), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Sohar (Oman)
Cargo: New and used cars, heavy machinery, construction equipment
Trade Importance: Supports the growing automotive markets in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
Challenges: Navigating the Strait of Hormuz, regional political tensions, and extreme weather conditions

5. China to Africa Route

The China to Africa RoRo route has become increasingly important as China strengthens its trade relationships with various African nations. This route primarily supports the export of construction machinery, commercial vehicles, and new cars, contributing to infrastructure development across Africa.

Key Ports: Shanghai (China), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Mombasa (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria)
Cargo: Construction machinery, commercial vehicles, new and used cars
Trade Importance: Essential for infrastructure projects in Africa, with Chinese equipment and vehicles playing a crucial role in development efforts
Challenges: Long transit times, varying port infrastructure quality, and navigating piracy-prone areas

6. Australia to New Zealand Route

The Australia to New Zealand RoRo route is a key link for vehicle trade between these neighboring nations. This short but vital route ensures the smooth flow of cars, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment across the Tasman Sea.

Key Ports: Melbourne (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), Wellington (New Zealand)
Cargo: Cars, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment
Trade Importance: Critical for maintaining the vehicle and machinery supply chain between Australia and New Zealand
Challenges: Navigating the Tasman Sea’s unpredictable weather, strict biosecurity regulations, and managing the high volume of cargo in a short distance

7. Northern Europe to the Mediterranean Route

This RoRo route connects the industrial heartlands of Northern Europe with key Mediterranean ports, facilitating the movement of vehicles, machinery, and other wheeled cargo. The route is crucial for trade between European Union member states and their southern neighbors.

Key Ports: Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Genoa (Italy), Barcelona (Spain)
Cargo: New and used cars, trucks, industrial machinery
Trade Importance: Supports intra-European trade and exports to North Africa, with a focus on automotive and industrial sectors
Challenges: Navigating the busy Strait of Gibraltar, dealing with diverse regulatory environments, and managing port congestion

8. Brazil to Argentina Route

The Brazil to Argentina RoRo route is a vital connection for the South American automotive market, with both countries being major producers and consumers of vehicles. This route supports the intra-continental trade of cars, agricultural equipment, and construction machinery.

Key Ports: Santos (Brazil), Rio Grande (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Rosario (Argentina)
Cargo: Cars, agricultural equipment, construction machinery
Trade Importance: Essential for maintaining the flow of goods within South America, particularly in the growing automotive and agricultural sectors
Challenges: Navigating the complex River Plate estuary, dealing with regional economic fluctuations, and managing customs procedures

9. East Coast USA to Central America Route

This RoRo route is significant for the export of vehicles, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery from the East Coast of the United States to Central America. It plays a crucial role in supporting the development of infrastructure and agriculture in Central American countries.

Key Ports: Jacksonville (USA), Port Everglades (USA), Puerto Cortés (Honduras), Colón (Panama)
Cargo: Vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural machinery
Trade Importance: Supports the economic development of Central America by providing essential machinery and vehicles for infrastructure projects
Challenges: Navigating the Caribbean Sea’s hurricane season, dealing with varying port infrastructure, and managing customs regulations in multiple countries

10. Northern Europe to North America Route

The Northern Europe to North America RoRo route is one of the busiest transatlantic corridors, connecting major automotive and industrial hubs across the Atlantic. This route is vital for the export and import of vehicles, agricultural machinery, and other heavy equipment between these two regions.

Key Ports: Bremerhaven (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), Southampton (UK), Baltimore (USA), New York (USA)
Cargo: Luxury cars, trucks, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment
Trade Importance: Crucial for the automotive and industrial trade between Europe and North America, particularly for high-value goods
Challenges: Navigating the North Atlantic’s harsh weather conditions, dealing with stringent customs and environmental regulations, and managing high cargo volumes

11. India to East Africa Route

The India to East Africa RoRo route has gained importance as trade between the Indian subcontinent and East Africa continues to grow. This route supports the export of vehicles, motorcycles, and industrial machinery to developing markets in East Africa.

Key Ports: Mumbai (India), Chennai (India), Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Cargo: Cars, motorcycles, industrial machinery
Trade Importance: Supports the rapid development of automotive and industrial sectors in East Africa, with India playing a key role as a supplier
Challenges: Navigating piracy-prone waters, dealing with varying port infrastructure quality, and managing customs procedures in multiple countries

12. Turkey to Northern Europe Route

The Turkey to Northern Europe RoRo route is essential for the automotive industry, particularly for the export of vehicles manufactured in Turkey to major markets in Northern Europe. This route is heavily utilized by European car manufacturers that have production facilities in Turkey.

Key Ports: Istanbul (Turkey), Izmir (Turkey), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany)
Cargo: New cars, trucks, industrial equipment
Trade Importance: Vital for connecting Turkey’s automotive manufacturing industry with Northern European markets, supporting both exports and intra-European trade
Challenges: Navigating the busy Bosphorus Strait, dealing with regional geopolitical tensions, and managing high cargo volumes and tight schedules

13. South America to West Africa Route

The South America to West Africa RoRo route is a growing corridor, facilitating the export of vehicles, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment. This route is particularly important as trade ties between these two regions continue to strengthen.

Key Ports: Santos (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay), Lagos (Nigeria), Tema (Ghana)
Cargo: Used cars, agricultural machinery, construction equipment
Trade Importance: Supports infrastructure development in West Africa, with South American exports playing a crucial role in these efforts
Challenges: Long transit times across the South Atlantic, varying port infrastructure, and navigating the complex customs regulations in West African countries

14. Australia to Southeast Asia Route

This route is vital for the export of vehicles, machinery, and other wheeled cargo from Australia to Southeast Asia. It connects Australia’s industrial output with rapidly growing markets in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Key Ports: Melbourne (Australia), Brisbane (Australia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Laem Chabang (Thailand)
Cargo: Cars, agricultural and mining machinery, industrial equipment
Trade Importance: Facilitates trade between Australia and Southeast Asia, supporting the region’s industrial and agricultural sectors
Challenges: Navigating the busy and congested waters of Southeast Asia, dealing with seasonal monsoons, and managing diverse regulatory environments

15. Scandinavia to the Baltic States Route

The Scandinavia to Baltic States RoRo route is a key intra-European corridor, connecting the Nordic countries with the Baltic region. This route is essential for the export of vehicles, industrial machinery, and other goods, supporting trade within Europe.

Key Ports: Gothenburg (Sweden), Oslo (Norway), Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia)
Cargo: Cars, industrial machinery, trucks
Trade Importance: Supports regional trade and economic integration within Northern Europe, with a focus on the automotive and industrial sectors
Challenges: Navigating the icy waters of the Baltic Sea, managing seasonal weather disruptions, and dealing with strict environmental regulations

ShipUniverse: Top 15 RoRo Routes / Distance & Fuel Burn
Route	Distance (Nautical Miles)	Average Fuel Burn (Metric Tons)	Key Cargo
Europe to West Africa	3,500 NM	700 MT	Used cars, trucks, construction machinery
Japan to Southeast Asia	2,000 NM	400 MT	New cars, motorcycles, heavy machinery
North America to Europe	4,000 NM	800 MT	Luxury cars, trucks, industrial equipment
South Korea to the Middle East	6,000 NM	1,200 MT	New and used cars, heavy machinery
China to Africa	7,500 NM	1,500 MT	Construction machinery, commercial vehicles
Australia to New Zealand	1,200 NM	240 MT	Cars, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment
Northern Europe to the Mediterranean	2,500 NM	500 MT	New and used cars, trucks, industrial machinery
Brazil to Argentina	1,000 NM	200 MT	Cars, agricultural equipment, construction machinery
East Coast USA to Central America	1,500 NM	300 MT	Vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural machinery
Northern Europe to North America	4,000 NM	800 MT	Luxury cars, trucks, agricultural machinery
India to East Africa	3,800 NM	760 MT	Cars, motorcycles, industrial machinery
Turkey to Northern Europe	2,200 NM	440 MT	New cars, trucks, industrial equipment
South America to West Africa	4,000 NM	800 MT	Used cars, agricultural machinery, construction equipment
Australia to Southeast Asia	3,000 NM	600 MT	Cars, agricultural and mining machinery, industrial equipment
Scandinavia to the Baltic States	800 NM	160 MT	Cars, industrial machinery, trucks

These 15 RoRo routes represent some of the most critical corridors in global maritime trade, each serving a unique purpose in connecting markets, facilitating trade, and supporting economic development. From the bustling ports of Europe to the emerging markets of Africa and Southeast Asia, RoRo shipping plays a pivotal role in the global logistics network. As demand for efficient and reliable transportation of wheeled cargo continues to grow, these routes will remain essential in ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the world’s oceans. Whether it’s the export of luxury cars, construction equipment, or industrial machinery, RoRo routes are the lifeblood of the global economy, linking manufacturers with consumers and driving growth in every corner of the world.