RORO traffic ‘shows growing population, demand’

Abu Dhabi: The increased RORO (Roll-on Roll-off) ship traffic through Abu Dhabi ports reflects growing population and consumer demand in the region, a top official told Gulf News.

RORO ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as automobiles, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels without the help of cranes.

RORO contributes a significant amount to the local economy with associated tax or other revenues, Captain Mohammad Juma Al Shamsi, the CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), said.

There has been significant growth in RORO traffic at Zayed Port near Abu Dhabi City, he said.

The number of vehicles entering Abu Dhabi in first quarter of 2014 rose by 6 per cent to 24,400 from 23,000 in 2013 in 2014. In April, 2014, the number of vehicles exceeded 10,000, a record for the port, he said.

“With a total of 10,515 vehicles handled in Zayed Port, this April was the busiest month on record, marking a 35 per cent increase over the same period in 2013.”

RORO traffic at Zayed Port had grown by 11.7 per cent in 2013, compared with previous year, he said. About 79,906 vehicles in 2012 was increased to 89,280 in 2013.

The recently opened state-of-the-art Khalifa Port also handles RORO, with a current capacity for 200,000 vehicle units.