RO-RO GOES DEEP

摘要

Recent years have witnessed a revival of investment both in pure car/truck carriers (PCTCs) and in the niche sector of longer-haul and deepsea roll-on/ roll-off (ro-ro) freight operations, where bespoke tonnage combines the ro-ro mode with lift-on/lift-off (lo-lo) container capacity for scheduled liner-type services. As one of the earliest exponents of ro-ro cargo handling and multipurpose vessels, Genoa-based logistics specialist Ignazio Messina opened a new chapter in its fleet development with the introduction of the 45,200dwt Jolly Diamante ro-ro container vessel quartet during 2012-2013. A second series of four similar ships is now set to further strengthen the company's route network linking Mediterranean Europe with African and Middle East markets.