Development of ro-ro transport in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is a sea basin surrounded by developed and developing countries and is a region with maritime trade potential. In this region, container and Ro-Ro transport is gaining importance gradually and the quantity and capacities of ports suitable for Ro-Ro transportation are increasing. Ro-Ro transportation is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation since it has the flexibility to integrate into many transportation modes and emits fewer emissions.  Ro-Ro transport is preferred over container transport as it does not require much handling system investment, has short loading and unloading times, and is more suitable for intermodal transport. It is also a good option for the transport industry at a time when the whole world wants to reduce its emissions. 400 trucks could be pulled out of traffic with just one ship. While there are developed Ro-Ro and container terminals in the north of the Mediterranean, the number and capacities of those in the south are low. It is expected that there will be a significant increase in container and Ro-Ro transport in the Mediterranean in the coming years. This study aims to identify new Ro-Ro transport routes in line with the economic needs in the Mediterranean and to provide recommendations for Ro-Ro terminals and fleet development concerning these routes. This study will start with the assessment of the transport needs in the region and their suitability for Ro-Ro transport and will continue with the determination of new transport routes accordingly. As a result, recommendations will be presented regarding the capacity increase in existing lines and the configuration of new lines. Key Words: Ro-Ro; Container Transportation; Shipping in the Mediterranean; Container and Ro-Ro Terminals