RoRo competence center

Handling of vehicles

Whenever the shipment of vehicles is concerned, all roads lead to the biggest facility in the port of Hamburg that specializes in wheeled cargo loading. As a centre of competence for the car industry we offer a comprehensive service package for all aspects of vehicle logistics.

High-quality new cars on special pallets

From incoming goods inspection by a surveyor and dealing with all customs formalities to comprehensive data tracking – we deal with the complex requirements in each individual case. Here, time, quality and safety are the most important factors.

As a port operator, we consider ourselves a partner for logistics solutions in the car industry.

Planning and successful scheduling are the be-all and end-all of the Ro-Ro business. Perfect cooperation between the various trades in the handling of rolling cargo is of essential importance to ensure a smooth process when it comes to shipping vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, construction and farm machines.

The dock section of 837 m in length offers two Ro-Ro berths at which the largest Ro-Ro ships in the world call on a regular basis.

Topics that move us

RoRo Unikai in figures

2 RoRo berth spaces
837m quay
1 mobile stern ramp
120t Ro-Ro tractor units

All figures, data and facts

Impressions from our everyday life

A classic American Airstream caravan. These vehicles require special care when securing and handling – a job for Unikai's specialist team.
Vehicles covered with weatherproof protective film are ready for shipment. A port employee inspects the units. This type of packaging protects against salt, moisture, and UV radiation—typical for export via RoRo ships.
Compact vehicles drive independently onto the ship via the RoRo ramp. This roll-on/roll-off transport is one of Unikai's core competencies for international vehicle exports.
Electric vehicles are prepared at the terminal's charging points. These stations ensure that electric cars can be shipped with sufficient battery power – a growing service area at the terminal.
Aerial Gallery RORO
Aerial view of the terminal area at Oswaldkai with a large number of vehicles waiting to be loaded. In the foreground: rail vehicles ready for loading. In the background: the Grimaldi Lines RoRo ship Great Tema at berth.
High-quality new cars on special pallets – ready for loading at the terminal site. The vehicles are waiting to be loaded into containers together with their pallets and then transported onwards.
New cars in protective packaging with a view of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in the background – an image that symbolizes the connection between global trade and Hanseatic identity.
A vintage Ford Model A at the terminal – ready for shipment. Historic vehicles are a regular part of Unikai's RoRo operations, often as part of auctions, trade fairs, or international collector transports.
New cars on railway wagons at night, shortly before unloading. The combined rail and ship transshipment makes Unikai a central hub for intermodal vehicle transport.
Heavy-duty cranes in various colors stand ready for loading at the terminal, directly in front of the Grimaldi Group's RoRo ship Grande Francia. The mobile cranes are prepared for international export and demonstrate the company's logistical expertise in the field of project cargo and RoRo.
A Liebherr heavy-duty crane drives independently across the ramp of a RoRo ship at Unikai / O'swaldkai. Self-propelled handling enables efficient loading of large special vehicles—one of the strengths of the HHLA Unikai Terminal.
Premium vehicles are driven onto the ramp of a RoRo ship. The distinctive warning strips mark the maximum limits of the ramp. This controlled vehicle loading is part of everyday business at the RoRo terminal.