Top 12 Biggest RoRo Ships: Giants of Rolling Cargo in Global Shipping

Discover the top 12 biggest RoRo ships in the world. Learn how these massive vessels shape automotive logistics, naval architecture, and global trade with cutting-edge design and impressive cargo capacity.

When most people picture ships, they imagine stacks of containers. But for the world’s automotive industry—and for transporting anything with wheels—RoRo ships (Roll-on/Roll-off) are indispensable. These vessels are engineered to allow wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and trailers, to roll on and off under their own power. Behind their giant steel ramps and cavernous decks lie complex logistics, smart engineering, and global economics in motion.

In this article, we explore the 12 biggest RoRo ships currently in service, examining their design, operations, and impact on modern maritime trade.

Why RoRo Ships Matter in Modern Maritime Operations

RoRo ships play a vital role in the global logistics chain—especially for the automotive, heavy machinery, and defense sectors. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), RoRo cargo operations accounted for more than 15% of the global seaborne cargo by volume in 2023.

From transporting electric vehicles from Asia to Europe, to carrying wind turbine blades across continents, these ships must meet strict safety regulations under SOLAS, the ISM Code, and the IMO Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code. RoRos also require enhanced stability design and firefighting systems due to their open internal spaces and high fire load risk.

Key Technologies Driving RoRo Ship Development

Recent developments in RoRo shipbuilding reflect the maritime industry’s shift toward sustainability, digitalization, and automation:

  • Dual-fuel and LNG propulsion systems for lower emissions (e.g., Wärtsilä and MAN Energy Solutions engines)
  • Battery hybrid propulsion for short-sea operations
  • Smart cargo deck monitoring using AI and infrared sensors
  • Advanced ballast water treatment systems to comply with the BWM Convention
  • Real-time condition monitoring through Inmarsat and Fleet Xpress platforms

Classification societies such as DNV, ABS, and BV now require enhanced design compliance for RoRo stability, fire control, and cargo ventilation.

The 12 Biggest RoRo Ships (2025 Edition)

1. MV Tønsberg (Wallenius Wilhelmsen)

  • Capacity: 8,000+ CEU (Car Equivalent Units)
  • Length: 265 m
  • Gross Tonnage: 76,500 GT
  • Launched: 2011 Tønsberg, part of the Mark V class, is one of the most iconic RoRos and a pioneer in energy efficiency and cargo flexibility.

2. MV Parsifal (Wallenius Wilhelmsen)

  • Capacity: 8,000+ CEU
  • Features: 9 cargo decks, reinforced for high and heavy cargo Parsifal’s flexible decks support diverse cargo from passenger vehicles to railway coaches.

3. MV Höegh Target (Höegh Autoliners)

  • Capacity: 8,500 CEU
  • Length: 199.9 m
  • Built: 2015 Among the world’s largest Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTC), this ship features a 6.5-meter high cargo deck and advanced environmental systems.

4. MV Liberty Ace (MOL – Mitsui O.S.K. Lines)

  • Capacity: 6,800 CEU
  • Notable for: Fuel-efficient hull design and efficient loading ramp architecture Operates globally, including on Japan-US auto trade routes.

5. MV Galileo Galilei (Grimaldi Group)

  • Capacity: 7,800 CEU
  • Built: 2021 in China Features innovative design with LNG-ready engines and enhanced fire suppression systems.

6. MV Auto Eco (UECC – United European Car Carriers)

  • Capacity: 4,000 CEU
  • Propulsion: LNG dual-fuel
  • Notable for: The world’s first LNG-powered PCTC Highly energy efficient and designed for Northern European short-sea routes.

7. MV City of St Petersburg (NYK Line)

  • Capacity: 2,000 CEU
  • Length: 140 m
  • Notable for: Distinctive aerodynamic bow Though not the largest by CEU, this vessel stands out for its innovative hull form, which reduces fuel consumption by 50%.

8. MV Grande Baltimora (Grimaldi Lines)

  • Capacity: 7,800 CEU
  • Decks: 12 Combines vehicle and container carriage—a RoRo/ConRo hybrid capable of carrying 3,000 containers.

9. MV Don Juan (K Line)

  • Capacity: 6,200 CEU
  • Features: Automated mooring system and dual-level ventilation Operates heavily in Asian markets, including Japan and Southeast Asia.

10. MV Modern Express (NYK Line)

  • Capacity: 6,400 CEU
  • Famous for: 2016 cargo shift incident in the Bay of Biscay Now retrofitted with upgraded ballast systems and dynamic stability software.

11. MV Eco Valencia (Grimaldi Group)

  • Capacity: 7,800 CEU
  • Built: 2020
  • Sustainability: Hybrid-electric and solar-assist systems The ship represents a major step toward zero-emission RoRo shipping.

12. MV Emerald Ace (MOL)

  • Capacity: 6,400 CEU
  • Notable feature: Solar panels powering onboard electrical systems when at berth First ship to incorporate a lithium-ion battery for auxiliary energy needs.

Real-World Applications and Industry Impact

Automotive Logistics
Wallenius Wilhelmsen uses ships like MV Tønsberg to move electric vehicles (EVs) from China to Europe. These vessels are equipped with onboard EV fire detection and suppression systems developed in collaboration with DNV and Wärtsilä.

Defense Transport
RoRo vessels are often used by NATO and national defense agencies to move tanks and armored vehicles. Ships like MV Parsifal and MV Höegh Target are engineered with deck strength ratings to accommodate such high-tonnage cargo.

Short-Sea Shipping
UECC’s LNG RoRos like MV Auto Eco are helping meet EU targets for reducing GHG emissions in short-sea corridors like the North and Baltic Seas.

Port Infrastructure Upgrades
Ports like Zeebrugge, Bremerhaven, and Jacksonville have expanded ramp lanes and quay cranes specifically to handle the next generation of RoRo vessels. According to the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), RoRo-specific terminals have increased by 23% in the past five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CEU mean in RoRo shipping?
CEU stands for Car Equivalent Unit. It’s a standard measure of how many standard-sized vehicles a RoRo ship can carry.

Are RoRo ships only for cars?
No. Many RoRo vessels carry trucks, construction equipment, yachts, trains, and military cargo.

Do RoRo ships also carry containers?
Some hybrid vessels, called ConRos, can carry both wheeled cargo and containers.

Are there safety risks with RoRo vessels?
Yes, especially related to cargo shift, fire, and stability. Modern RoRos now follow strict IMO safety codes including the FSS Code and ISM Code.

What fuels do modern RoRo ships use?
Diesel, LNG, hybrid-electric, and even battery-assisted systems are in use. Future fuels include methanol and hydrogen.

Which countries operate the most RoRo ships?
Japan, Norway, South Korea, Italy, and Germany are leading RoRo ship operators.

Conclusion

RoRo ships are unsung heroes of global logistics—quietly transporting millions of vehicles and machinery units every year. As automotive trade grows and sustainability becomes central, RoRo technology is evolving fast.

From dual-fuel giants like Höegh Target to solar-assisted pioneers like Emerald Ace, the future of RoRo is smarter, cleaner, and more adaptable than ever.

For maritime professionals, naval architects, or students, understanding RoRo vessel operations is crucial in grasping the full spectrum of maritime trade and ship design.

References

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