Vehicles travel on Ro-Ros, Ro-Pax ferries, PCTCs and LCTs, and inside containers or on flat racks. They range from cars, pickups and logistics trucks to trailers and buses. Every unit occupies lane length and applies axle loads that must suit deck and ramp limits.
On inter-island ferries, trucks often carry more than their reported weight. The difference affects axle loads, KG and draft. Weighing at the port and recording actual weights makes lane plans and stability checks more reliable.
Vehicle securing follows the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual, the CSS Code and IMO guidelines for road vehicles on Ro-Ro ships. Electric vehicles and vehicles carrying fuel or dangerous goods need dedicated positions and good firefighting access.
Cargo characteristics
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Weight | Cars ~1–2.5 t; light trucks ~3–8 t; heavy trucks and trailers ~15–40+ t |
| Length | Cars ~4–5 m; trucks and trailers ~8–17 m; plus spacing between vehicles |
| Height | Cars ~1.5–2 m; box trucks ~3.5–4.2 m |
| Axle load | Heavy trucks often ~8–12 t per axle; checked against deck and ramp limits |
| Lashing points | Lashing eyes on the chassis; number and strength per vehicle standards and IMO guidelines |
| Hazards | Fuel and batteries; vehicles may be DG under the IMDG Code (UN 3166, UN 3171) |
Stowage & securing principles
Lanes by port
Vehicles are grouped by destination port and placed in lanes leading to the discharge ramp. Heavy vehicles go to lower decks.
Brake, gear and engine
Handbrake on, gear engaged or park selected, engine off, and keys handled per ship procedure before lashing.
Symmetrical lashing
Lashings are fitted in pairs from the vehicle’s lashing points to deck sockets at effective angles to the deck. The number follows vehicle weight and the Cargo Securing Manual.
Chocks and trestles
Heavy trucks and trailers get wheel chocks. Unaccompanied trailers are supported on trestles so the load is not only on their landing legs.
Spacing for access
Side and fore-and-aft gaps are left so crew can walk, fit lashings and reach vehicles in case of fire.
Electric vehicles and DG
EVs and vehicles carrying dangerous goods go in permitted areas near firefighting equipment, per ship policy.
Pre-loading checks
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Actual weight and axle loads (weighbridge)
Why it matters: Undeclared weight shifts KG and can exceed deck or ramp limits.
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Height and width against lane clear height
Why it matters: Tall box trucks will not fit under a low hoistable deck.
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Vehicle lashing points present and intact
Why it matters: Without them, crew end up lashing to parts not designed to take load.
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Fuel and oil leaks
Why it matters: Fluids on a vehicle deck add fire risk and slip hazards.
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EV or DG status
Why it matters: Determines the permitted area and required documents.
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Brakes and tyre condition
Why it matters: Weak brakes let vehicles move even when lashed.
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Lane order matches the port rotation
Why it matters: A vehicle in the wrong lane forces others to be moved in port.
Common risks
- Overloaded trucks pushing KG and axle loads beyond the plan.
- Vehicles left unlashed on short crossings and then shifting.
- Lashings tied to bumpers or suspension parts not designed for it.
- Vehicles packed so tightly that firefighting is difficult.
- EVs placed far from firefighting equipment.
- Unaccompanied trailers resting only on landing legs and collapsing.
Frequently asked questions
How are lane metres calculated for a truck?
Lane metres are vehicle length plus the gap to the next vehicle in the same lane. A 12 m truck with a 0.5 m gap uses about 12.5 lane metres; lane width decides whether a wide vehicle takes two lanes.
Are vehicles dangerous goods?
Fuelled or battery-powered vehicles can be classified as DG under the IMDG Code, with special provisions for Ro-Ro ships. Follow ship policy and the IMDG Code edition in force for their stowage and documents.
Does STOWAGE.ID replace the ferry’s stability calculation?
No. Lane, axle load and stability results are shore-side planning, and the Ro-Ro module is rolling out in stages. The class-approved onboard loading computer and the stability booklet remain the official reference.
General guidance for education. Follow the vessel’s Cargo Securing Manual, the shipper’s instructions and the surveyor’s directions.
Shore-side planning & decision support. The class-approved onboard loading computer remains the official reference.