RoRo Cargo Prep

At sea ships of any type experience weather and ocean conditions that can produce rotational and linear motions on the vessel and its cargo. Sometimes these forces can simultaneously be from more than one direction and be very strong indeed.

To transport RoRo cargo safely it is very important that cargo is able to be stowed and lashed securely on board the ship in a manner that can withstand even the most severe conditions.

There are other important Quarantine, Customs and safety measures that need to be taken to prepare cargo for the smoothest delivery on Roll On Roll Off vessels.

We have prepared guidelines by RoRo cargo type to assist clients with preparing their cargo for shipment.

It is important to note that carriers can refuse to carry cargo considered unsafe or not properly prepared for shipment.

Static Cargo shipped via MAFI Trailers

Crated cargo <10T 

(1) Cargo inside a crate/box must be adequately secured to prevent any movement during cargo operation and sea transportation (see fig 1). 

(2) Strong and solid crate, allowing lashings to be applied as top over lashings (see fig 1). Subject to the size and shape of the crate if this securing method can be used.

• Where applicable, the wooden packing material and dunnage used for cargo carriage, must be treated and marked in accordance with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM).
• All contents inside the crate/box must be accounted for, and a packing list must be available. Upon request, drawings/illustrations/explanations must be presented to our operations team. 
• The lashing points capacity must be capable to withstand forces of at least equal to the total weight of the cargo on each side (2 sides – port and starboard) and must be accessible. 

Additional requirements for crated >10T 

(3) Direct access to lashing points on the goods, allowing sufficient securing (See fig 2). 

(4) Cargo with no direct access must be properly fixed to outer steel beams with 4 external lashing points (See fig 3). Subject to the approval of the carrier.

(5) A Cargo stowage and Securing Declaration may be required.

•   All crates above with a mass over 49 metric tons must be approved by the carrier’s operation team. 

Should additional lashing and securing of cargo on MAFI Trailers be required this will be for the shippers account unless otherwise agreed.

Unstable cargoes, such as tall and narrow units should be presented lying down. If this is not possible then Depth RoRo must be made aware at the time of quoting and booking.

Marking, labelling & design of crates 

To ensure that the cargo complies with international standards and regulations it is important that the cargo is labelled. Labels and marks must be waterproof and secured in a manner that they cannot be blown off. All information on the cargo is important to ensure safe transportation. 

(1) lashing, sling, and lifting points cleared marked on cargo greater than 1 MT

(2) Inspection hatches in crates

(3) Port of load, port of destination

(4) Length, width, height and weight on each breakbulk piece

(5) Center of gravity on all four sides of cargo greater than 1 MT

(6) Safe stacking loads/layer on cargo greater than 1 MT

(7) Marking if fragile; keep dry; or side up, if applicable

(8) Marking “No forklift” if not able to be lifted with forklift

(9) Marking of ISPM treatment, if applicable 

Any Other relevant handling/securing information.