The double load factor problem of Ro-Ro shipping

Abstract

Maritime transport is regarded the most environmentally friendly mode of transport in many policy papers and has received a lot of government support for moving cargo transports from road to sea. Most assessments of energy use and related carbon emissions in mode-choice settings have been based on energy use per deadweight tonnage figures for the maritime modes; thus, giving a very favourable picture for the sea-based alternatives. Whereas this may be relevant for bulk shipping, the situation is quite different for Ro-Ro shipping—which is the most relevant alternative for intra-continental transports. Through representation of a number of realistic intra-European multi-modal trade links, with different mixes of modes of transport—energy use and emissions from these various chains are presented. The outcome of this case study is not very favourable for the maritime transport alternatives. This could partly be attributed to the very different regulatory environments these sectors have been subject to, and partly to ‘the double load factor problem’ of Ro-Ro shipping. Half-full trailers on half-full decks may very well jeopardize the comparative advantage of maritime transport alternatives.