6 American Journal of Transportation American Journal of Transportation ajot.com LIBERTY GLOBAL LOGISTICS LLC The solution to your cargo needs! (516) 488-8800 LibertyGL.com 50 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 301, Jericho, NY 11753 not directly aimed at Ro/Ro shippers, is affecting fuel markets and could weigh on second-quarter earnings. Ro/Ro Regulations Add Complexity to Ensuring Compliance In addition to an evolving trade envi- ronment, the Ro/Ro shipping industry is also facing new regulations and standards from a variety of agencies. The Ro/Ro industry is governed by a layered frame- work of international conventions, national laws, and operating standards intended to ensure vessel safety, cargo integrity, crew competence, and regulatory compliance. In January 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced new safety rules. Ro/Ro operations must also comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reg- ulations in the United States. These stan- dards govern areas such as cargo loading and security, adding to the industry’s compliance requirements. This combination of multiple require- ments enforced by a range of regulators adds complexity for Ro/Ro shippers, requiring specialized knowledge in mar- itime law, environmental compliance, vehicle safety, and customs procedures. Non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, or safety incidents, making the regulatory environment both strict and complex. Carbon Emission Guidelines Add Operational Pressures In 2026, the Ro/Ro industry faces increased compliance and operational pressure from new global and indus- try-wide carbon emissions standards, spe- cifically the ones developed by the Global Ro/Ro Community in collaboration with the Smart Freight Centers (SFC). In 2025, the GRC implemented an industry-stan- dard GHG emission intensity calculation method for deep-sea Ro/Ro ships. These standards create a consistent way to measure emissions from Ro/Ro operations using voyage-specific data such as fuel consumption, distance trav- eled, and cargo volume. The data sup- ports annual reporting and trade-lane benchmarks for performance compari- sons. Although the United States has not adopted a Ro/Ro-specific emissions cap, the IMO’s 2023–2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets and clean energy incen- tives under the Inflation Reduction Act are making low-carbon shipping more attractive to Ro/Ro operators. Analysts state that these carbon emissions standards are moving Ro/Ro from a fragmented reporting landscape to a regulated, transparent, and perfor- mance-driven sector, with significant operational and financial implications for US Ro/Ro operators in 2026. With GHG emissions being a high priority for many stakeholders in the Ro/ Ro market, shippers have an added incen- tive to make sustainability a priority. ACL, a transatlantic transporter of gen- eral cargo and Ro/Ro shipments, advo- cates even more stringent requirements. “We were hoping for more strict enforcement of the existing IMO regu- (GROWING – continued from page 4) tariff and policy conditions can change quickly,” he noted. Proactively Diversifying Protocols According to AMPORTS, global electric vehicle (EV) export volumes have been growing at roughly 15-20% annu- ally. To serve this market, AMPORTS has invested in EV charging infrastructure and battery protocols at specific terminals to ensure they are ready as the mix shifts. “Take EV readiness seriously now,” said Salvador. “Handling protocols, safety training, and infrastructure take time to build.” Digitalization is critical. According to Salvador, “Visibility from vessel to dealer is no longer a differentiator. It’s an expec- tation, and operators who can see their supply chain in real-time are the ones who adapt faster when conditions shift.” Collaboration Key to Navigating Uncharted Waters AMPORTS recommends that anyone involved in Ro/Ro shipping communicate early and often with logistics providers. “The customers who share forecasts and shipment plans with their terminal oper- ators get better outcomes on labor, space, and velocity,” said Salvador. The company also sees genuine part- nerships developing between carriers, ter- minal operators, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that are driving efficiency across the industry. “We’re seeing tighter vessel-schedule coordination and, pre-arrival sharing that lets terminals plan labor and yard-space before a ship arrives,” said Salvador. “Greater use of digital yard-management and vehicle-tracking systems that reduce dwell times and touches per unit, and more deliberate inventory strategies with customers using terminal storage strategi- cally, rather than as overflow.” (FLEXIBLE – continued from page 2) (GROWING – continued on page 8) lations to weed out the smoke-spewers from the trade. We are already compliant with the strictest IMO regulations,” said Abbott, President and CEO of ACL. EVs Add Volumes and Specialized Handling Growing sustainability goals are increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Ro/Ro shipping is one of the most efficient ways to transport them, but the rise of elec- tromobility is creating new requirements for maritime transport. Shipping EVs by Ro/Ro is subject to specialized international safety guidelines, carrier technical specifications, and clear documentation requirements, including fire monitoring. Many shipping companies require a reduced battery charge level for the Ro/Ro transport of an electric car. In practice, this is often between twenty and fifty per cent. A low state of charge reduces possible risks in the event of a battery defect. It also makes handling at ports easier, because the electric vehicles can be driven. Some shipping companies use spe- cial parking rules for electric vehicles. These can include designated deck areas for electric vehicles, greater distances between vehicle groups, and additional Pure car/truck carrier Neptune Tharros
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