2025.05.07

RoRo Shipping: Lower Costs, Higher Returns

Discover how RoRo shipping is transforming Europe-Maghreb trade by optimizing FTL and LTL freight, reducing transit times, cutting costs, and enhancing efficiency.

Your Strategic Advantage For Europe-Maghreb Trade 

In today’s competitive environment, businesses need faster transit times, cost-effective solutions and low-emission transportation options. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is emerging as a game-changing strategy, enabling businesses engaged in Europe-Maghreb trade to achieve operational efficiency and financial benefits. 

 

What Makes RoRo Shipping Different? 

Unlike container shipping, RoRo vessels allow wheeled cargo to be driven directly on and off ships, reducing touchpoints and streamlining operations, leading to faster and more economical transportation. Beyond wheeled cargo, RoRo is also a reliable solution for Full Truckload (FTL) and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. 

 

Transforming Europe-Maghreb Trade Dynamics 

The Europe-Maghreb trade corridor presents challenges such as customs regulations, port infrastructure and capacity constraints. While RoRo shipping offers an efficient solution by reducing port time and labour requirements for transporting diverse cargo, overcoming these operational challenges requires a logistics provider with regional expertise.  

GEODIS offers a one-stop solution that combines sea and air freight, warehousing, customs expertise, and domestic distribution to transform logistical challenges into seamless operations. With over 30 years of experience and 28 locations across the Maghreb complemented by a strong European transport network, GEODIS ensures on-time deliveries through regular sailings, dedicated services, and tech-enabled visibility, enabling businesses to benefit from shorter lead times and consistent supply chain performance. 

 

Strategic Solutions for Europe-Maghreb Shipping Needs 

Here's how GEODIS helps businesses succeed across the Mediterranean with RoRo expertise: 

  • Weekly Departures: Dedicated Europe-Maghreb sailings with weekly LTL and daily FTL departures help businesses meet delivery schedules and maintain consistent lead times. 
  • Cargo Consolidation Services: Consolidating cargo at strategically located European hubs near key factories and ports optimizes load planning, accelerates dispatch, and reduces transit times and costs, enhancing overall supply chain efficiency. 
  • Customs Management: Local customs experts handle clearance and documentation at both ends, helping customers save on duties and taxes while minimizing costs and delays. 
  • Cross-dock/Warehousing – Storage and handling solutions streamline inventory management and reduce transit times by minimizing the need for long-term storage. 
  • Door-to-Door Integration: A fully integrated pickup-to-delivery service eliminates handover friction, streamlining cross-border movement and improving overall supply chain continuity. 
  • Certified Hazardous Cargo Handling: A dedicated team for hazardous and sensitive goods handling ensures secure transport and regulatory adherence, minimizing risk for specialized shipments. 
  • Real-Time Visibility: With real-time tracking through the IRIS Freight Management Portal, businesses gain immediate insight into every shipment, enhancing control and enabling proactive exception management. Additionally, IRIS provides instant shipment reports and enhanced booking capabilities. 

Faster & Reliable Connectivity 

For businesses relying on just-in-time deliveries, especially those with subsidiaries or production units in the Maghreb, GEODIS Mediterranean integrates road freight seamlessly with RoRo shipping, ensuring timely and efficient transportation. 

 

GEODIS' specialized fleet, equipped with sheeted metal trailers to secure cargo, can load up to 100 cbm of goods and drive directly onto ships, ensuring smooth roll-on/roll-off operations at both ends. This efficient integration ensures fast connections, such as France to Tunisia via the port of Marseille in just 36 hours and France to Morocco via Algeciras, with a 2-hour crossing to Tanger Med. This agile solution ensures timely deliveries and reduces operational complexities, which are crucial for industries like automotive and electronics. 

 

The Evolving Landscape of RoRo Shipping 

As supply chains evolve, RoRo shipping is advancing with increased digitalization, reduced environmental impact, and expanded routes. Operators are implementing technology-driven tracking and documentation systems to enhance visibility and transparency. New vessels with improved fuel efficiency are reducing emissions, while emerging markets are expanding infrastructure to support growing manufacturing sectors. Together, these factors are driving future logistics improvements. 

 

GEODIS: Leading Smarter, Sustainable Logistics 

With continuous advancements in technology and sustainability, GEODIS stays at the forefront of the RoRo shipping industry. Partnering with GEODIS means benefiting from ISO-certified operations and adhering to the highest standards in freight management. By focusing on CO2 reduction and operational optimization, GEODIS offers solutions that help businesses stay competitive while meeting logistical and environmental goals. 

 

To learn more about how GEODIS can transform your logistics operations, contact our experts and get a tailored RoRo strategy that delivers efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. 

Charlotte Baritou (1) (1).jpg

Charlotte Baritou

Key account Magreb

Charlotte joined GEODIS in October 2023 and is responsible for business development for GEODIS Mediterranean, a subsidiary dedicated to the RoRo Europe-Maghreb activity. With over 25 years of experience in various major organizations within this segment, Charlotte has an excellent command of the specificities of transport in North Africa as well as the challenges of outsourcing and consumption in RoRo mode for French and European companies, regardless of the markets involved: industries, retail, health, aerospace, automotive, etc. Her areas of expertise or core competencies include: Customs Expertise, International Transport Regulations, Solution Design and Supply Chain Optimization.