From our Blog
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping for Overseas Cars
At SEA GO International, we ship vehicles globally through both RoRo and containerised services, handling all logistics, paperwork including Vehicle Import Approval, and insurance — ensuring your car arrives safely and efficiently, no matter where it’s headed.
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When shipping a car overseas from the UK, Europe, Japan, or any global location to Australia, Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) shipping continues to be one of the most popular and cost-effective choices. The method is simple: your vehicle is driven onto the ship, securely parked during voyage, and driven off at the destination port.
What Is RoRo Shipping?
RoRo, short for Roll-On Roll-Off, is a specialised shipping method designed specifically for vehicles and wheeled cargo. Instead of being lifted using cranes, vehicles are driven or towed aboard a RoRo vessel using built-in ramps and then secured to the ship’s enclosed decks for their ocean journey.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
This system allows efficient movement of cars, trucks, 4x4s, caravans, trailers, boats, construction machinery, and even buses without the need for container loading or disassembly. Vehicles must be fully operational.
How RoRo Shipping Works
- Vehicle Delivery or Collection: Drive your vehicle directly to the departure port or have it collected through SEA GO’s trusted logistics network.
- Loading (“Roll-On”): The vehicle is driven or towed onboard and secured using straps, wheel chocks, and deck lashings to prevent movement during the voyage.
- Transit: Vehicles remain enclosed on climate-controlled decks, protected from elements, theft, and external handling.
- Unloading (“Roll-Off”): On arrival, vehicles are driven off and transferred for customs clearance and biosecurity inspection.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Advantages of RoRo Shipping
- Cost-Effective: RoRo shipping is a highly cost-effective method for drivable vehicles — though ex UK, SEA GO’s shared container service can often provide the lowest per-car rate
- Fast and Efficient: Loading and unloading are quicker since vehicles drive directly on and off the vessel.
- Secure Transport: Vehicles are stored inside locked decks away from external exposure, minimising risks.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: RoRo vessels can transport thousands of vehicles per voyage, making them one of the most fuel-efficient and eco-friendly shipping solutions.
- Wide Global Coverage: RoRo vessels operate on major trade routes linking the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, the USA, and Australia.
Disadvantages of RoRo Shipping
While RoRo is highly efficient, it does have some limitations compared to containerised transport:
- Vehicle Must Be Operable: Your vehicle must start, steer, and brake under its own power.
- No Personal Belongings: Unlike container shipping, personal goods cannot be placed inside the car.
- Limited Routes and Ports: Not every port supports RoRo vessels, though SEA GO coordinates alternative routes where necessary.
- Exposure to Sea Air: Despite enclosed decks, vehicles can be exposed to salty environments—though risk is minimal.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
When Is RoRo the Best Option?
RoRo shipping is ideal if your vehicle is:
- Fully drivable and in good condition.
- Being imported/exported without personal items.
- Not a high-value collectible needing extra protection.
- Needed quickly, as RoRo runs on frequent sailing schedules.
Major Departure & Arrival Ports
SEA GO offers RoRo routes between multiple international trade ports, including:
- UK & Europe: Southampton, Zeebrugge, Le Havre, Hamburg
- Asia: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Hong Kong, Singapore
- Australia: Port Kembla (Sydney), Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
For classic, luxury, or non-running cars, container shipping may be better suited. Compare options here: → Container vs RoRo Car Shipping UK to Australia.
RoRo ships sail weekly or fortnightly depending on the origin and destination pairing.
Shipping Costs and Timelines
- Average RoRo Cost: From GBP 1,500–1,900 per standard car ex-UK to Australia.
- Transit Time: 50–55 days average sailing plus ~1 week each for loading/unloading and Quarantine inspections.
- Insurance: Marine insurance starts at GBP 200, depending on vehicle value (recommended for all international shipments).
Documentation and Approvals
Before shipping, you’ll need to secure the following:
- Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) — required for all imports into Australia.
- Proof of Ownership — such as a title deed or registration certificate.
- Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice.
- Photo ID or Passport Copy.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
For precise pricing, request a quote through SEA GO’s contact form for a customised rate based on your vehicle’s size, weight, and destination.
SEA GO International can manage VIA applications, document compliance, and Australian Border Force customs procedures.
Customs, Taxes, and Quarantine
When importing vehicles into Australia, the following charges and inspections apply:
- Import Duty: 5% of your vehicle’s customs value.
- GST: 10% of total cost including duty, freight, and insurance.
- Luxury Car Tax (LCT): Applies to vehicles over AUD 80,567 (standard) or AUD 91,387 (fuel-efficient).
- Quarantine Inspection: Mandatory check to ensure vehicles are free from soil, pests, and contamination.
Vehicles must be cleaned thoroughly before shipping to ensure smooth clearance on arrival.
RoRo vs Container: Which Should You Choose?
| Criteria | RoRo Shipping | Container Shipping |
| Security | High, enclosed deck | Maximum, fully sealed steel container |
| Personal Items | Not allowed | Allowed (within limits) |
| Vehicle Type | Drivable only | Any condition |
| Ports | Limited routes | Wider global access |
| Timeline | Fast turnarounds | Slightly longer due to handling |
For premium classics or non-moving vehicles, explore Shared Container Shipping to balance cost and protection.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Learn Customs Rules
For more details on vehicle import rules and taxes, refer to the official Australian Border Force Importing Guide or contact SEA GO International.
Why Choose SEA GO International for RoRo?
With over 30 years of global shipping expertise, SEA GO International provides hassle-free RoRo services including:
- Weekly international departures.
- Full customs, quarantine, and documentation management.
- Insurance and pre-shipment inspection options.
- Door-to-door logistics in the UK, Europe, USA, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Our team ensures every shipment is compliant and protected from origin to destination, with schedules managed to the best available timing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) shipping?
RoRo is a vehicle shipping method where cars are driven onto and off a specialised vessel rather than loaded in a container.
Q2: Is RoRo cheaper than container shipping?
RoRo is a cost-efficient option for drivable vehicles, while SEA GO’s shared container service often offers the lowest overall per-car rate.
Q3: Can I ship personal items with RoRo?
No. Personal effects cannot be left inside your vehicle due to customs and safety regulations.
Q4: How long does RoRo shipping take from the UK to Australia?
Average sailing time is 50–55 days, plus handling and customs clearance.
Q5: Which ports in Australia receive RoRo vehicles?
Common RoRo ports include Port Kembla (Sydney), Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle.
Q6: Is RoRo shipping safe for luxury cars?
Yes. Vehicles are securely strapped on enclosed decks. For extra protection, consider container shipping.
Q7: What documents are required before shipping?
VIA approval, proof of ownership, invoice, and photo ID.
Q8: Does SEA GO handle all the paperwork?
Yes. SEA GO manages approvals, customs filings, and quarantine compliance.
Q9: What types of vehicles can use RoRo?
Cars, motorhomes, caravans, trailers, construction machinery, and trucks that are fully drivable.
Q10: How can I get a quote?
Visit the SEA GO contact page and complete the enquiry form for a tailored quote.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
For over 30 years, SEA GO International has been passionate about getting vehicles anywhere in the world, safely and efficiently. Our team offers a full range of services, from secure containerised shipping to innovative solutions like R-Rak.
- Import & Export Shipping
- Shared Container Service (R-Rak)
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Caravan Shipping
- Vehicle Import Approvals (VIA)
- Vehicle Valuations
- Customs Clearance
