The logistical challenges facing roll-on/roll-off vessels discussed at Shipping Days
The Shipping Days took place in La Rochelle on 4 and 5 April 2024. This trade event dedicated to maritime transport and breakbulk brought together industry stakeholders to support, connect, unite and shape the future of the maritime logistics market.
A round-table discussion addressed the logistical challenges of roll-on/roll-off traffic. Olivier Carmes, Director of the Port of Sète, opened the discussions by pointing out that ro-ro traffic accounts for half of his port’s activity, comprising cars and trailers. Toyota led the way in 2007 with 30,000 vehicles.
Since then, 90,000 vehicles were handled in 2023, and 2024 is expected to see an increase of 50,000 vehicles. New operators have joined the Mediterranean port: Dacia, Ford, Renault, Peugeot, Sintax, CAT and the Charles André Group. A rail link enables 250 vehicles to be transported to Paris each week.
Sète is set to invest €10 million by 2028 in high-bay storage and the rationalisation of its space.
Optimising space
Montoir is moving towards multi-storey car parks, although these are five times more expensive than conventional car parks. Vehicle traffic has grown. Since the extension of the route from Spain to Morocco, 120,000 vehicles have been unloaded. Furthermore,
vehicles manufactured by Stellantis in Rennes and Volkswagen in Emden, Germany, are also arriving at the Breton port. Jean-Luc Bernard, head of the ro-ro operations at the Port of Nantes Saint-Nazaire, admits that the sector cannot absorb the additional costs. This is why space must be optimised. The port is also looking into dry ports in the hinterland for stockpiling vehicles unloaded from ships. However,
this will also involve additional costs that manufacturers will have to accept.
Furthermore, a new approach will need to be explored regarding the transport of vehicles by lorry from Rennes and Germany.
Indeed, 25 per cent of lorry drivers in Europe will retire by 2030, with a replacement rate of 10 per cent. Germany levies a carbon tax on heavy goods vehicles of €200 per tonne transported. Short-sea shipping will therefore be more competitive.
An event organised by the La Rochelle Port AuthorityThe second edition of Shipping Days 2024 was organised by the La Rochelle-Pallice Maritime and Port Union (UMEP), which specialises in maritime transport and breakbulk. The UMEP, SeinePort Union and HAROPA shared a stand with Marfret, GMP and CNMP. The 62 exhibitors present over the two days welcomed 853 participants and organised 264 business meetings. Participants came from across Europe, Asia, the Maghreb and the Middle East. The conferences, led by 23 speakers, covered a range of topics:
Watch the recordings: https://www.shippingdays.com/fr/replay Next edition: 3 and 4 April 2025 in La Rochelle |
Source: Le Marin, 5 April 2024
