The Complete Guide to RoPax Vessels

Thinking of bringing along your car or motorcycle to your next destination? Inter-island travel is made easier though RoPax vessels. It is a special type of vessel that falls under roll-on/roll off ferries. These versatile ships are specially designed for multiple needs, such as carrying cargo, people, and vehicles. Not only can you take these for travel, but also shipping to nearby regions.

This practical guide will teach you about RoPax vessels and how shipping companies ensure a safe voyage for you and your vehicle.

All You Need to Know About RoPax Vessels

What are RoPax vessels?

RoPax is a shortened form of “roll-on/roll-off and passengers”. These are designed to transport vehicles, freight, and passengers along a shorter route. Vessels have built-in ramps on which cars are driven to load onto the ship’s car deck. Passengers, meanwhile, have designated accommodation and amenities within the ship. 

Size and Capacity

Because RoPax are designed for shorter journeys, smaller vessels are designed to carry fewer vehicles and around a hundred RoRo passengers. Larger ones, such as cruise ferries, can accommodate more than 500 passengers, and are built with ample facilities and amenities. 

Facilities

Passengers can enjoy seating areas, sleeping areas and cabins for longer journeys, shops, and food options. Larger vehicles may have restaurants, entertainment facilities, and lounges.

Vehicles are placed in a designated deck in the lower half of the ship. In addition to cargo, machinery and metal components weigh down the vessel compared to passengers. Depending on its size, a vessel can accommodate cars, buses, trucks, and container freight.

Vehicle safety

Lower decks are dedicated to vehicles and cargo. Parking slots are strategically measured to prevent risk of collision while cruising. Car owners must observe proper distance and follow markings on the deck to avoid inconveniences.

Cars on RoPax vessels are secured through three tools. Wheel chocks are used like stoppers to keep vehicles from moving. Lashings are thick, sturdy straps attached to the wheels to anchor cars to the deck. Bigger vehicles like buses and trucks are secured with chains to ensure immobility.

Benefits of RoPax

  • Convenience for passengers and vehicles

This type of vessel is convenient for RoRo passengers and tourists who wish to use their cars while traveling. Instead of paying extra to take a separate mode of transport, owners can bring their cars along the journey to use at their destination. Operations promote domestic travel and tourism between regions and provinces.

  • Commercial logistics

RoPax vessels are essential to commercial logistics and transport of cargo. Although travel takes longer compared to air transport, business owners reduce costs because RoRo and RoPax are more affordable than other options. Depending on the shipping company, vessels can make stops at multiple ports. Businesses can strategically use this service for nearby regional or city ports. 

  • Cost-effective

Shipping vehicles through RoRo costs less than containerized shipping because you will not have to pay for container handling. To reduce expenses, travelers can use RoPax instead of containers to transport their vehicles, and at the same time, travel on the same ship.

  • Faster transit time

Routes taken by RoPax vessels typically cover short to medium distances. This makes it ideal for transporting to nearby ports, inter-island travel, or remote areas that cannot receive larger vessels. Travel time is significantly reduced because passenger vehicles can be carried aboard and rolled off the deck upon arrival at the destination.

Other types of Roll-on/Roll-off vessels

  • Pure Car Carriers (PCC): Only carries cars on board.
  • Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTC): Carries all types of vehicles.
  • Roll-On/Lift-Off (RoLo): Uses ramps to load vehicles, cranes are used to lift cargo on and off the deck.
  • Container RoRo (ConRo): Supports container cargo freight on the upper decks and stores vehicles below the deck.

Types of RoPax Vessels in Trans-Asia’s Fleet

1.  MV Trans-Asia 3

The vessel features private, cabin, and tourist rooms, all fully air conditioned with toilets and baths. It also includes a second class non-air conditioned area with bunk beds with a common toilet and bath. A concierge is available for information and linen requests. There is a convenience store on board as well.

2. MV Trans-Asia 8

The MV Trans-Asia 8 sets itself apart from the previous vessel in terms of amenities. Besides the concierge and convenience store, this vessel features a dynamic cuisine restaurant, chapel, and clinic on board.

3. MV Trans-Asia 10

This vessel is convenient for coffee-loving travelers due to its espresso coffee shop. This added facility can augment RoRo passengers’ comfort and dining experience while en route to their destination.

4. MV Trans-Asia 18

Elevate travel experiences with the added ferry seats on the MV Trans-Asia 18. The closed air conditioned room features reclining seats, a designated toilet and bath. Newer facilities include a viewing deck and a prayer room in place of a chapel. Finally, its breastfeeding room, ideal for mothers journeying with their newborns.

5. MV Trans-Asia 19

This vessel boasts modern, hotel-like accommodation such as private, tourist (deluxe and regular) rooms, ferry seats, and a second-class non-aircon area. Its modest amenities include an onboard clinic, information and linen counter, a convenience store, and a dynamic cuisine restaurant.

6. MV Trans-Asia 21

The most recent RoPax vessel in Trans-Asia’s fleet was built in Japan in 2021, and highlights upgraded passenger accommodation areas, including a second-class air conditioned room with reclining seats. Aside from this, the MV Trans-Asia 21 has an elevator leading to upper floors and the promenade deck. There is also a smoking room, restaurant, and clinic, and concierge on board.

Traveling across the sea must be hassle-free. To ensure the seamless leap from sea to land, consider taking your barkada, family, or partner along for a road trip using a RoPax vessel and enjoy a more convenient experience. Read more about our accommodation and amenities.

 

ALSO READ: 6 Packaging Tips for Efficient Sea Freight Shipping 

Are you searching for the most practical RoRo or RoPax travel? Trans-Asia Shipping Lines offers ferry travels within the Visayas and Mindanao area, so you can bring your car along in the voyage. See our rates and schedules and contact us today to make the most out of your journey.