Roll-on/roll-off in Rotterdam: Europe's hub
Rotterdam is Europe’s leading hub for roll-on/roll-off transport: the fastest and most flexible short-sea solution for trailers, vehicles, and project cargo. Thanks to high frequencies, door-to-door capabilities and excellent hinterland connections, roll-on/roll-off is ideal for just-in-time supply chains.
Why choose roll-on/roll-off in Rotterdam?
- High frequency & reliability: up to 104 departures per week for fast turnaround times.
- Strong market position: roll-on/roll-off represents 7.1% of total throughput in Rotterdam (approximately 25.3 million tonnes in 2024).
- Direct connections with the United Kingdom & Ireland: approximately 95% of the volume is connected to the UK; 4% of total British imports enter via Rotterdam.
- Main cargo category: approximately 57% consists of foodstuffs, crucial for a fast and reliable food supply.
- Door-to-door logistics: operators arrange pre- and post-transport, for both accompanied (including a driver on board) and unaccompanied transport.
- Future-proof: terminals invest in electrification, shore power, and sustainable fuels for cleaner vessels and lower CO₂ emissions.
Other services
Check the other roll-on/roll-off services to and from the breakbulk terminals.
- Sea Cargo from Rotterdam to Tananger, Haugesund and Bergen (Norway).
- Smyrill line from Rotterdam to Tórshavn, Torlakshöfn and Hirtshals.
- UECC from Rotterdam to Santander, Pasajes and Zeebrugge.
- Mannlines from Rotterdam to Harwich, Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Paldiski and Turku.
Connections
Besides roll-on/roll-off connections, Rotterdam offers many more connections. Rotterdam is the hub that connects Europe to the world. Thanks to an extensive network of deepsea, short-sea shipping, roll-on/roll-off connections, rail, inland shipping and pipelines, your cargo is efficiently connected.
Stay informed
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roll-on/Roll-off?
On roll-on/roll-off vessels, cargo drives on and off board via a loading ramp. This makes transport fast, safe and efficient. Suitable for: trailers (with and without a driver), cars and light vehicles, project cargo and high & heavy, retail and FMCG flows with tight cut-off times.
What is the difference between Roll-on/Roll-off and LoLo?
Roll-on/Roll-off: cargo is driven on board via a loading ramp.
LoLo (Lift-on/Lift-off): cargo is lifted with cranes.
Is Roll-on/Roll-off suitable for just-in-time deliveries?
Yes, due to high frequency and short cut-off times.
What is Rotterdam doing about sustainability?
Electrification, shore power, alternative fuels and modal shift.
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