Mike Garratt

The roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) market's global outlook will be the focus of a conference session at RORO 2014 in the UK next month.

The conference theme is Markets under pressure.

Mike Garratt, managing director of MDS Transmodal, will present on The global outlook for the RoRo market on day one of the three-day conference.

Garratt says the session will consider how the industry can expand, despite intra-European trade being relatively flat and low emissions legislation potentially making it less competitive.

"I would like to critically debate the EU's 'Motorways of the Sea' initiative and suggest a way forward that would lead to a transfer of goods from road to sea," he says. "I suggest this does not need to be on environmental grounds but as a means of reducing supply chain costs. I think that could also link into port-centric issues and widen debate into the role of ports."

Focusing on the European market, the conference session will also address intra-European trade development and forecasts; trade and fleet development by corridors; public policy and the scope for RoRo expansion; and strategic options.

RORO 2014 is a free, three-day exhibition and conference giving logistics professionals involved in roll-on/roll-off shipping the opportunity to meet, network and conduct business. Organiser Informa Exhibitions says it is the only exhibition and conference dedicated to the roll-on/roll-off shipping industry. It is at ExCel in London on 24-26 June.

It will be co-located with TOC Europe and the recently launched Port Centric Logistics exhibition.