ISO 6812:1983

Overview

ISO 6812:1983 specifies the interface between Roll on/Roll off (Ro/Ro) ships and shore terminals that use straight stern or bow ramps. The standard harmonizes major dimensions and design principles for ship-to-shore connections (fixed and adjustable shore ramps), defines ramp classes, and gives guidance on water-level variation, ramp profiles and clearances. It is intended to help Port Authorities and terminal designers plan berths so ships and shore ramps mate safely and efficiently.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & definitions: Covers Ro/Ro ships with bow/stern ramps (not specialized ferry systems like train ferries). Defines terms such as shore ramp, ship ramp, flap, interface limit line, and normal water level variation.
• Water-level variation: Distinguishes cases up to 1.5 m (fixed shore ramp acceptable) and greater than 1.5 m (adjustable shore ramp, pontoon or similar required).
• Ramp classes:
  • Class A fixed shore ramp: For ship ramp outer-end heights ~0.25–1.75 m above water (at interface limit line).
  • Class B fixed shore ramp: For heights ~1.5–3.0 m above water.
  • Class ranges overlap by ~0.25 m to improve compatibility.
• Adjustable shore ramp: Outer end must be maintainable at specified heights (e.g., 1.75 m above low normal, 1.5 m above high normal). Outer end should accommodate the largest ship beam and impose no obstructions.
• Geometric and clearance requirements:
  • Interface limit line at least 1 m shorewards of shore ramp face.
  • Roadway width: Minimum clear width 9 m for two-lane operations; 5 m recommended for single-lane.
  • Clear height: Minimum ~8 m above ramp surface (adjust for double-deck ramps).
  • Gradient limits: Typical operational gradients limited to about 10% for cargo-moving sections; transition angles and profile constraints are specified to protect vehicle ground clearance.
• Structural & operational: Shore ramps must be designed to local and visiting countries’ road regulations, include design loadings for cargo handling equipment, provide mooring points, and allow pedestrian segregation. Ship ramps require a flap for transition.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: Port Authorities, terminal designers, civil/structural engineers, ship designers/operators, and ferry operators planning Ro/Ro berths.
• Practical uses: Designing new Ro/Ro terminals, retrofitting shore ramps, evaluating berth compatibility with arriving ship types, setting operational limits for water-level ranges and ramp use, and avoiding costly later alterations.

Related standards

• Developed by ISO/TC 8 (Shipbuilding and marine structures). Port and ship designers should also consult national port regulations and other ISO standards on shipboard ramps, harbour infrastructure and cargo handling for full compliance.