RORO makes its Belgian debut

Lloyd’s List Events is pleased to announce that RORO2006 will take place at the Flanders Expo, Ghent, Belgium from 16 to 18 May 2006, when the biennial conference and exhibition will bring together key representatives from the ro-ro industry for the 18th time to discuss up-to-the-minute issues and challenges.

RORO is the largest meeting of executives involved in all segments of the ro-ro business, providing a great opportunity for networking between industry peers and senior decision-makers from around the world.

The Port of Ghent exhibited at RORO2004 and has recognised the importance of this industry. As such, it has committed to supporting RORO2006 as the official event sponsor. The port will be exhibiting at the event, hosting the RORO cocktail reception for delegates and exhibitors and will also help the event organiser with marketing the event locally.

Ghent is at the heart of the European ro-ro community. It is strategically positioned in terms of its easy access by road to two major European motorways, providing easy access to other European ports such as Zeebrugge, Antwerp, Dunkirk and Rotterdam, all of which are recognised as ro-ro ports.

Situated on the canal that runs 31km between Terneuzen and Ghent, the port has direct links with the Rhine and other inland waterways on the continent. Its position on the canal is a great benefit to shippers using the port as it is not affected by the tides.

The port is served by various ro-ro operators who ship cargo to destinations in the UK, Europe, the US and Japan. One of the most important services is provided by EuroBridge, part of DFDS Tor Lines, between Ghent and the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden. This service is being increasingly used to transport goods for the Volvo factories in Ghent. The car manufacturers in the area, namely Honda and Volvo, ship 200,000 cars through the port annually.

With more than 2,500 senior international decision makers and representatives from the ro-ro sector expected to attend the event, RORO2006 is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for all providers of products and services to the industry.
RORO2004 in Gothenburg attracted 2,581 exhibitors, delegates and visitors during its three days. An excellent example of the business opportunities on offer and the calibre of visitor came when exhibitor MAFI scored a double hit on the second day of the exhibition - selling two MT30 4x4 roro tractors to UN Ro-Ro Isletmelari AS of Istanbul.

RORO is also a great opportunity for exhibitors to meet with existing customers and contacts for formal or relaxed discussions.
Moreover, each stand booking now comes with a free pass to the conference, allowing exhibitors to participate in the high-level conference programme which runs parallel to the exhibition.

The RORO2006 conference will debate current issues that face the ro-ro industry, such as:
• what can be expected in the future from ro-ro automotive and short sea shipping?
• what are the factors impacting ro-ro shipbuilding technology and prices?
• what are the latest technology developments and how do they fit into ro-ro business strategies?

At the close of the first day of the conference, the Port of Ghent and Lloyd’s List Events will play host to ROROs traditional cocktail reception designed to welcome exhibitors and delegates to the event. The venue is yet to be announced, however, details of this and the event as a whole are posted on www.roroex.com and updated regularly.

RORO2006 is now just over a year away and approaching fast. Exhibitors are advised to book their stand early to be in with a chance of choosing the best position. Please visit ww.roroex.com for further details on how to register as an exhibitor, delegate or visitor to the event.