Global Leading Market Research Publisher Global Info Research announces the release of its latest report “RORO Shipping – Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2026-2032″. As global automotive manufacturers and logistics providers face escalating pressure from vehicle production recovery (75 million units in 2025, up from 66 million in 2022), shifting trade patterns (China’s EV exports surged 80% YoY in 2025), and severe vessel capacity constraints (ro-ro market rates keep growing as car-carrying capacity has plummeted), the RORO shipping market has experienced unprecedented rate volatility. RORO or Ro-Ro, it’s an abbreviation of the term ‘Roll-on Roll-off’, describing the action of cargo-laden lorries or cars being loaded onto larger ships for further transport. This report studies on players which offer RORO shipping service. Traditional breakbulk or container shipping for vehicles is inefficient (15-20 vehicles per container vs. 5,000-8,000 on a PCTC) and increases damage risk (handling multiple times). Ro-Ro vessels address these challenges through integrated ramps and internal decks, enabling drive-on/drive-off loading of finished vehicles, trucks, heavy machinery, and rolling equipment. Modern Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTCs) feature 10-14 decks, 5,000-8,000 CEU capacity, and specialized EV fire suppression systems (thermal detection, water mist). Based on current situation and impact historical analysis (2021-2025) and forecast calculations (2026-2032), this report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global RORO Shipping market, including market size, share, demand, industry development status, and forecasts for the next few years.
The global market for RORO Shipping was estimated to be worth US$ 24,567 million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$ 38,912 million, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2026 to 2032.
Market Context: Ro-ro market rates keep growing as car-carrying capacity has plummeted. The ro-ro freight rate index (from China to Europe) increased from US$ 1,500/vehicle in 2020 to US$ 5,200/vehicle in 2025, driven by vessel supply constraints (global PCTC fleet 760 vessels, 4.2 million CEU) and surging EV exports (China 5.8 million vehicles exported in 2025, 3.5 million via ro-ro).
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1. Market Size Trajectory & Recent Data (2025–2026 Update)
In H1 2026, global RORO shipping volume (million CEU) surged 9.5% YoY, driven by three factors: (i) China’s EV export boom (BYD, Chery, SAIC, Geely, NIO, Xpeng targeting Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America); (ii) post-pandemic vehicle production recovery (global output 75 million units in 2025, projected 78 million in 2026); (iii) new PCTC vessel deliveries (45 vessels in 2025, 52 projected 2026). Unlike container shipping (CAGR 3.5%), ro-ro freight rates are outperforming at 12% CAGR due to severe capacity shortage (orderbook-to-fleet ratio 28%, highest in 15 years).
2. Technology Deep-Dive: Vessel Types & Capacity
PCC (Pure Car Carrier – 45% of 2025 revenue): Dedicated vehicle carriers with fixed decks (8-12), optimized for passenger cars (sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks). Lower deck height (1.6-1.8m) for standard vehicles. Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s 2026 “Post-Panamax PCC” (7,000 CEU) features EV-specific fire detection (thermal cameras, gas sensors) and CO2 fire suppression (15-minute hold). Largest segment by volume.
PCTC (Pure Car Truck Carrier – 50% of revenue): Multi-purpose Ro-Ro vessels with adjustable decks (10-14, height 1.8-5.0m) accommodating trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and high-roof vehicles (SUVs, vans). Hoegh Autoliners’ 2026 “Aurora Class” PCTC (9,100 CEU) features methanol-ready engines (reducing CO2 by 25%), 14 adjustable decks, and shore power connection. Largest segment by revenue, fastest-growing at 8.5% CAGR (high-margin heavy cargo).
Others (5% of revenue): ConRo (container + ro-ro), LoLo (lift-on lift-off), and smaller coastal ro-ro vessels for short-sea shipping.
Technical breakthrough (2026): Hyundai Glovis’ “Smart PCTC” integrates AI-based load planning (optimizing deck utilization, center of gravity), real-time cargo tracking (GPS + IoT sensors for EV battery temperature), and automated ramp operations. Increases vessel utilization by 15% (reduces port time by 4 hours per call).
Ongoing challenges: EV fire risk on PCTC vessels (lithium-ion battery fires difficult to extinguish at sea). Grimaldi Group’s 2026 “EV-Safe” PCTC dedicates upper deck for EVs (closest to ventilation, separate water mist system, thermal imaging). Fleet aging (average PCTC age 16 years, vs. 12 for container ships). NYK’s 2026 newbuilding program (12 vessels, 7,000 CEU each) replaces 1990s-era vessels with fuel-efficient designs (30% CO2 reduction).
3. Industry Deep-Dive: Discrete Shipping vs. Automotive Logistics Integration
A unique analytical lens from Global Info Research highlights critical differences:
- Discrete Shipping (Ro-Ro carriers: Grimaldi, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Hyundai Glovis, Hoegh Autoliners, Eukor, K Line, MOL, NYK, Siem, CMA CGM, Stena RoRo): Focuses on vessel operations (speed 16-20 knots, fuel consumption 80-150 tons/day), port scheduling (2-3 days per call, 20-30 ports per voyage), and cargo handling (drive-on/drive-off, 200-500 vehicles/hour). Technical bottleneck: optimizing deck utilization (vehicle size mix, stowage planning) and reducing port turnaround time. CLdN Cobelfret’s 2026 “PortFlow” system reduces vehicle processing time from 6 to 3 hours (automated check-in, RFID tracking, ramp optimization).
- Automotive Logistics (OEMs, freight forwarders, trading companies): Requires RORO shipping with regular schedules (fixed-day weekly sailings), transit time predictability (China-Europe 30-35 days), and cargo tracking (door-to-door visibility). Q1 2026 case study: BYD (China’s largest EV exporter, 2.5 million vehicles exported 2025) signed 5-year charter agreement with Hoegh Autoliners (3 PCTCs dedicated to BYD Europe routes). Results: freight cost reduced from spot rate US$ 6,200/vehicle to contract rate US$ 4,500/vehicle, schedule reliability improved to 98% (vs. 85% spot), inventory holding cost reduced US$ 120 million annually.
Exclusive observation on manufacturing localization: South Korea’s Hyundai Glovis (Hyundai Motor Group) and Japan’s K Line, MOL, NYK (Toyota, Honda, Nissan affiliates) dominate PCTC ownership (45% global fleet). Norway’s Wallenius Wilhelmsen (global largest, 120 vessels) and Italy’s Grimaldi Group (Europe leader) dominate European routes. China’s COSCO Shipping and CIMC RORO expanding fleet (15 new PCTCs ordered 2025-2026) to capture China’s EV export boom.
4. Policy Drivers, User Cases & Regional Dynamics
Regulatory Landscape (2025-2026):
- IMO: Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) effective 2023, requiring ro-ro vessels to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. Scrapping of inefficient vessels (20+ years old) accelerated (45 vessels retired 2025).
- EU: Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) applies to RORO shipping from 2024 (40% of voyage emissions, rising to 100% by 2026). Estimated additional cost €50-100/vehicle for EU routes.
- China: ”Ro-Ro Shipping Development Plan 2025-2030″ targets 50 new PCTC vessels (8,000+ CEU) by 2030, with state subsidies (20-30% of build cost).
User Case – China-Europe Vehicle Trade: In March 2026, SAIC Motor (MG brand) shipped 15,000 vehicles (5,000 EV, 10,000 ICE) from Shanghai to Zeebrugge (Belgium) via Grimaldi’s PCTC service. Transit time 32 days (Shanghai-Suez-Gibraltar-Zeebrugge). Freight cost US$ 4,800/vehicle (spot rate). Total capacity: 6,500 CEU/vessel x 3 vessels. SAIC’s European sales target 2026: 300,000 units (+25% YoY).
Exclusive Observation on Regional Dynamics:
- Asia-Pacific (55% market revenue): China (world’s largest vehicle exporter, 5.8 million units 2025, 80% EV), Japan (3.5 million exports, traditional ICE), South Korea (2.5 million exports, Kia-Hyundai). Hyundai Glovis, K Line, MOL, NYK, Siem, CMA CGM dominant. China’s COSCO, CIMC RORO expanding.
- Europe (30%): Major import region (China EVs, Japanese/Korean vehicles). Grimaldi (Italy), Wallenius Wilhelmsen (Norway), CLdN Cobelfret (Luxembourg), Hoegh Autoliners (Norway), Sallaum Lines (Switzerland) dominant. Ports: Zeebrugge (Belgium), Bremerhaven (Germany), Barcelona (Spain).
- North America (10%): US import (Japanese, Korean, German vehicles), export (US-built vehicles to South Korea, Middle East). ARC American, SEVEN SEALS, Sasco Group, Cargomax International, A.E.S. Inc. active.
- Middle East (3%): UAE (Jebel Ali), Saudi Arabia (vehicle transshipment hub).
- Latin America (2%): Brazil, Mexico (vehicle import).
Application Segmentation: International Shipping (85% of revenue) – transoceanic routes (Asia-Europe, Asia-North America, Europe-North America, Asia-Middle East, Asia-Latin America). Domestic Shipping (15% of revenue) – short-sea routes (Japan domestic, intra-Europe, China coastal).
5. Competitive Landscape
Key Players: Grimaldi Group, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Hyundai Glovis, CLdN Cobelfret, Hoegh Autoliners, Eukor Car Carriers, K Line RORO Services Ltd., MOL, NYK, Siem Car Carriers, CMA CGM, Stena RoRo, ARCAmerican, SEVEN SEALS, Cargomax International, A.E.S. Inc., Sallaum Lines, Sasco Group.
Segment by Type: PCC (Pure Car Carrier – 45%), PCTC (Pure Car Truck Carrier – 50%, fastest-growing 8.5% CAGR), Others (5%).
Segment by Application: International Shipping (85%), Domestic Shipping (15%).
Regional Market Share (2025 revenue): Asia-Pacific 55%, Europe 30%, North America 10%, Middle East 3%, Latin America 2%.
Exclusive observation on competitive dynamics: Wallenius Wilhelmsen (Norway) holds 20% global RORO shipping revenue share (largest fleet, global routes). Hyundai Glovis (South Korea) holds 15% (Hyundai-Kia captive cargo, fastest-growing). Grimaldi Group (Italy) holds 12% (Europe-Africa, Europe-Asia). Hoegh Autoliners (Norway) holds 10% (PCTC specialist). K Line (Japan) holds 8% (Toyota cargo). MOL (Japan) holds 7% (Honda, Nissan). NYK (Japan) holds 6% (Nissan, Subaru). CLdN Cobelfret (Luxembourg) holds 5% (Europe short-sea). Eukor (South Korea/Norway) holds 4% (Hyundai-Kia). Others (13%): Siem, CMA CGM, Stena RoRo, ARC, SEVEN SEALS, Cargomax, A.E.S., Sallaum, Sasco.
6. Strategic Outlook (2026-2032)
By 2032, RORO shipping market projected to reach US$ 55-65 billion, driven by China’s EV export growth (projected 12 million vehicles exported by 2030, 70% via ro-ro), PCTC newbuild deliveries (200+ vessels 2026-2030, 1.8 million CEU added), and alternative fuel adoption (methanol, ammonia, hydrogen). PCTC share will increase to 55-60% (high-margin heavy cargo, truck transport). Average freight rates projected to decline from peak US$ 5,200/vehicle (2025) to US$ 3,500-4,000/vehicle by 2029-2030 (new capacity entering market), still 2-3x pre-pandemic levels.
For buyers (OEMs, freight forwarders, trading companies): For high-volume, predictable flows (China-Europe, China-US, Japan-US), negotiate long-term contracts (3-5 years) with ro-ro carriers to secure capacity and lock rates (current contract rate 20-30% below spot). For spot shipments, monitor PCTC newbuilding delivery schedule (2026-2028 peak) to time purchasing (rates expected to soften Q4 2027). For EVs, verify vessel has EV-specific fire suppression (thermal cameras, water mist, separate deck) and hazardous cargo certification (IMO Class 9). Consider alternative routes (rail China-Europe 15-18 days, higher cost US$ 8,000-10,000/vehicle) for time-sensitive shipments.
For suppliers (ro-ro carriers): Next frontier is zero-emission PCTC vessels (methanol-ready, ammonia-ready, hydrogen fuel cell) to meet IMO 2030/2050 targets. Hyundai Glovis ordered 3 methanol-fueled PCTCs (2025), Wallenius Wilhelmsen 4 methanol + 4 ammonia-ready (2026). Additionally, digital RORO shipping platforms (cargo booking, real-time tracking, automated documentation) will reduce administrative costs (15-20%) and improve customer experience.
Global Info Research’s full report includes granular 10-year forecasts by country (20 major markets), technology readiness levels of emerging ro-ro vessel features (wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication, shore power compatibility), and a proprietary “RORO Efficiency Score” benchmarking 40 commercial RORO shipping operators across 12 performance metrics (fleet age, CEU capacity, fuel efficiency, schedule reliability, EV safety compliance).
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