Ro-Ro (Roll-on, Roll-off) ships feature huge stern doors which are lowered to make a bridge from the ship to the wharf. The wharf machinery, such as forklifts and trucks, uses the bridge to access the ship's interior where the cargo is collected and transported ashore. Containerised cargo may also be carried on the deck.

Heavy-lift ships are designed to lift and carry very heavy loads, and are regularly seen in Fremantle carrying passenger ferries or other heavy cargoes. Cargo can be stowed aboard the ships by a lift-on, lift off method or using the ship's own cranes or float-in float-out where the ship partially submerges during loading and unloading.

Bulk carriers transport a range of chemicals, including petroleum products, grain, scrap-metal, alumina and fertilisers to and from Fremantle. Bulk carriers have huge under-deck holds where bulk products are stored.

Can you answer these questions?

1. What is a Ro-Ro?

2. What is a Heavy Lift?

3. What is a Bulk Carrier?

4. How are ferries transported to other countries?

5. How do cars from other countries get to the car yards?

6. How are goods transported, once they leave Fremantle Ports?

More Information

• Shipping Movements
• Container Movement Study
• Freight Links