Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), in partnership with Yamato Chain Mfg. Co., Ltd. and MOL Techno-Trade Co., Ltd., has developed and started implementing a new tool named the "Skater." This device is specifically engineered to facilitate the movement of vehicles that are temporarily unable to operate under their own power while being loaded or unloaded from car carriers. The deployment across MOL's fleet aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of cargo handling operations.
This innovation addresses a common challenge in the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping sector, where a certain percentage of vehicles may arrive at the port or become inoperable during transit due to mechanical issues, battery drainage, or other reasons. Traditionally, moving such vehicles requires significant manual effort, specialized towing equipment, or complex maneuvers, which can be time-consuming and pose risks to personnel and cargo.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signifies a potential improvement in the predictability and speed of vehicle loading and unloading processes on MOL's car carriers. Reduced handling times for non-running vehicles could lead to faster port turnarounds, mitigating potential delays for subsequent shipments. This could also translate into fewer instances of damage to vehicles during handling, offering greater reliability for shippers of automotive cargo. The streamlined process may also indirectly contribute to better schedule reliability for Ro-Ro services, which is crucial for just-in-time supply chains in the automotive industry.