Exploring the World of RO-RO Ships: VinFast and BYD Super Car Carriers
In the world of maritime transport, RO-RO ships play a crucial role in transporting a variety of wheeled cargo, such as cars and trucks. These specialized vessels are designed with ramps that allow vehicles to easily roll on and off the ship. In this article, we will explore two remarkable RO-RO ships, the Silver Queen and the BYD Explorer No. 1, used by VinFast and BYD respectively, to transport their electric vehicles.
What is a RO-RO Ship?
RO-RO, short for Roll-on/Roll-off, refers to ships specifically designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trailers, and locomotives. These ships are equipped with ramps that allow vehicles to easily drive on and off the ship. One of the most common types of RO-RO ships is the Pure Car Carrier (PCC), which is used solely for transporting cars. Another variation is the Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC), which can transport both cars and trucks.
Caption: Tàu RORO Modern Link. Photo courtesy of Báo Công thương.
In the maritime industry, the capacity of RO-RO ships is measured in terms of the number of lanes on the ship. For example, a RO-RO 6900 ship can carry up to 6,900 standard-sized vehicles.
RO-RO ships have distinct features, such as a large ramp at the tail of the ship and a side ramp that allows vehicles to directly access the deck. These ships are also equipped with automatic fire suppression systems to ensure safety during transport.
There are several variations of RO-RO ships:
- RO-PAX: RO-RO ships with additional passenger cabins.
- Con-Ro: Hybrid ships combining RO-RO and container ship features, with car decks located below and container decks above.
- RO-LO: Ships equipped with both vehicle ramps and cranes for handling various types of cargo.
The Silver Queen – VinFast’s Electric Car Super Carrier
The Silver Queen, owned by Siem Car Carriers and registered in Panama, is one of the remarkable RO-RO ships used by VinFast to transport their electric vehicles. With a width of 32m and a length of 183m, the Silver Queen can carry a maximum load of 11,373 tons, equivalent to approximately 4,500 SUV-sized cars and some mini-buses.
Caption: The Silver Queen with its large tail ramp and side ramp. Photo courtesy of Nhịp sống thị trường.
The Silver Queen’s loading process requires the coordination of drivers and transport staff. Electric and gasoline-powered vehicles on board must have a minimum fuel reserve to allow them to move on and off the ship and reach their final destinations.
To ensure stability during the loading process, vehicles are carefully positioned in accordance with balancing principles. Typically, it takes 3 to 5 days to complete the loading and unloading of up to 2,000 vehicles from the ship to the port.
The BYD Explorer No. 1 – China’s Electric Vehicle Super Carrier
The BYD Explorer No. 1, also known as the PCTC 7000, is a RO-RO ship manufactured by CIMC Raffles in China. This ship is used by BYD to transport their electric vehicles. The BYD Explorer No. 1 is an impressive vessel with a length of 199.9m, a width of 38m, and a depth of 9m. It has a designed speed of 35km/h and a capacity of 7,000 vehicles.
Caption: BYD’s PCTC 7000 can carry up to 7,000 vehicles. Photo courtesy of BYD.
What sets the BYD Explorer No. 1 apart is its ability to operate using either liquefied natural gas (LNG) or diesel. It marks a significant milestone as the first RO-RO ship to integrate a pin-based propulsion system. The ship is also designed with energy-saving features, aerodynamic solutions, and a rust-resistant paint coating. The estimated cost for this ambitious project is nearly 5 billion Chinese yuan (approximately 17.1 trillion Vietnamese dong).
These impressive RO-RO ships, the Silver Queen and the BYD Explorer No. 1, are revolutionizing the transportation of electric vehicles. With their advanced features, they ensure the safe and efficient transport of cars and trucks, contributing to the growth of the electric vehicle industry.