Value-adding sevices in Roro-shipping

Abstract

Increasing demands in logistics and transportation is a driving force behind the demand for value-adding transport services. However, concerning rorotransportation it is not always clear what kind of extra services the customers desire in connection to the sea-voyage. In this study, nine roro-customers have expressed their views upon what kind of services the roro-providers should offer their customers. The interviews were analysed from a service-level perspective, showing how the service level increases as extra services are added to the roro-transport. A basic approach to the interviews was to find out if the roro-providers should widen their services, to include broader transport- and logistical services. The study shows that there is a demand for additional services that improves the roro-operations. Concerning broader services there is an interest, but no real demand could be identified. Based on the results, it is concluded that roroproviders should focus on developing their basic service to perfectly match customers demands. Broader services may be offered on a tailor-made basis, but the design of such individual solutions depends on which customer to focus on. Furthermore, the possibilities of each roro-provider according to for example financial risks and available space should be regarded.