Introduction

Some time after the start of containerization came a cargo revolution in the door-to-door service of Roll-on, Roll-off (Ro-Ro) handling procedures. The Ro-Ro traffic provided a shuttle service for containers as well as cutting delivery times to hours rather than weeks, previously experienced with conventional shipping. The Ro-Ro explosion was so great that ports changed their operations and ship design started to incorporate new concepts, to handle large vehicles.

The coastal traffic saw a new lease in life which opened up numerous avenues, in employment, cargo-handling methods, service industries and manufacturing. Ferry companies increased their tonnage maximums in a comparative blink of an eye. Port exports climbed beyond previous records, with Ro-Ro activity being the main cause. Ro-Ro was an efficient and cheap method of shipping merchandise which was quickly realized and expanded rapidly beyond anyone's wildest expectations.

The ship's new design included the stern door/ramp, open vehicle deck spaces, drive through capability with the bow visor. Vehicle lifts became a feature with open and enclosed deck cargo spaces. Units could be carrying liquid or dry cargoes, they could be refrigerated or not, as their load required. However, the most important fact was that they could be delivered in the shortest period of time.

The time factor was critical to ensure that goods reached markets in a pristine condition. Especially relevant to fresh produce like flowers, fruits, dairy foods, meats, etc. The ships were enhanced to ensure that deadlines were achieved. Ships docking in and out carrying such cargoes...