The RoPax ferry is a vessel that combines the features of both a ferry and a ship. It is designed to transport passengers as well as drive on and off vehicles. RoPax ferries have large decks or garages that work similar to a ferry for rolling on and off vehicles. RoPax is an acronym for roll-on/roll-off passenger that carries and transports both vehicles and passengers.
Features of the RoPax Ferry
RoPax ferries are an excellent way to provide waterborne transport to the public as they ensure an efficient and safe journey for passengers, cars, trailers, and trucks. These vessels have a contemporary interior design and offer maximum comfort while complying with global safety standards.
Dual Functionality
The RoPax ferry serves the dual purpose of transporting passengers and cargo. It is capable of carrying about 620 passengers and up to 60 cars. The ship provides passenger cabins and decks or garages, making the vessel similar to a regular ferry. However, the passenger cabins of RoPax ferries are usually smaller than those found on cruise ships.
The RoPax can transport different vehicles, including cars, trucks, and trailers, enabling them to roll them on and off the vessel directly. On the other hand, numerous passenger accommodation facilities and cabins ensure comfortable journeys. Some vessels even have modern and smart passenger saloons that ensure safety.
Affordable and Fast
The RoPax vessels are designed to transport passengers and vehicles efficiently between two points. These are effective transportation solutions for coastal-region and island transfers. It helps maintain a good balance between cost-effectiveness and speed. RoPax ferry services are more efficient in providing a convenient and fast alternative to traveling by road. The journey from Mumbai to Goa takes around 6.5 hours.
Smart Design and Layout
To ensure a smooth roll-on and roll-off for vehicles, these ships are equipped with ramps for easy vehicle loading and unloading. These easy-to-access ramps enable users to reach the cargo decks seamlessly, where they can drive on or off the ship. Some ferries have movable or tiltable ramps for upper decks and fixed ramps for the lower ones. Unlike the RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ships that transport only vehicles, the RoPax ferries carry passengers and cars.
The RoPax’s hull comprises several watertight compartments that protect passengers and cargo. Multiple cargo decks are built on the ship’s lower part, which helps accommodate numerous kinds of wheeled cargo. Furthermore, RoPax ferries also provide various accommodation solutions for passengers, such as restaurants, bars, cabins, lounges, and entertainment facilities. These are allocated above the cargo decks.
Safety and Sustainability
RoPax ferries are built with powerful safety features, such as watertight compartments, redundant systems, and automatic watertight doors. Similarly, the builders have kept sustainability in mind while constructing these specialized ferries. They have implemented sustainable systems and features, including LED lighting and dual-fuel engines, to minimize the environmental impact.
Goa’s M2M RoPax Ferries
M2M Ferries, a RoPax ferry service company operating between Mumbai and Mandwa, is planning to launch a RoPAX service in Goa. The service transports passengers and cargo from Ferry Wharf in Mazgaon, Mumbai to the Mormugao Port in Goa. The state capital of Panaji can be a potential stop in the future. Passengers can carry their cars with them for ready transportation. However, you can always book large vehicles by contacting car rental services to rent thar in Goa.
Originally designed to cover shorter routes, like the Mumbai–Mandwa connection, the M2M RoPAX Ferry is currently planning to expand to cover the Mumbai-Goa route. Besides, there is an ongoing discussion regarding the inclusion of Panaji as a stop in the upcoming days. The ferry service company is in talks with the Goa government to get permits to dock the vessel at a Panaji jetty, to provide passengers with enhanced connectivity. The launch date for this ferry service is yet to be announced.
The proposed route breakdown and plan of the M2M RoPAX ferry services are as follows:
- Planned Service: The M2M Ferries are expected to operate a RoPAX service between Mumbai’s Ferry Wharf in Mazgaon and Goa’s Mormugao Port.
- Capacity: The ship is expected to accommodate 620 people and 60 cars. So, you can have the convenience of carrying your vehicle while traveling from one state to another, especially for work or study-related purposes. Therefore, it is an excellent option for people traveling with large families or groups of friends, who usually prefer traveling with their private cars.
- Vessel: The ferry company imported a 15-year-old RoPax ship from Italy. The vessel is currently undergoing maintenance work in Mumbai.
- Travel Duration: The M2M RoPAX Ferry is proposed to allow passengers to travel from Mumbai to Goa in 6.5 hours. This makes the RoPAX a faster travel option than longer overnight ferry journeys or road trips. So, you have plenty of time to start your day across the ocean and enjoy a pleasant and breathtaking daytime trip via the waterways.
- Scenic Journeys with Magical Views: Passengers can enjoy the spectacular ocean views while traveling over the Arabian Sea. One can create travel diaries and photograph the vast and endless views of the Arabian Sea along with the panoramic Konkan coastline. The breathtaking experience of watching the coastline emerge as you approach Goa feels out of the world.
- Ready Vehicle: The RoPAX enables travelers moving from Mumbai to Goa to always have their personal vehicles ready for immediate use. Even if you don’t feel the need to carry your vehicle, especially when you are going on vacation, you can always rent a car in Goa.
- Eco-Friendly: Traveling by sea is considered a safer, cleaner, and greener option as opposed to roadways, which usually contribute to air pollution. When more travelers prefer the waterways, together we can help reduce highway traffic, thus keeping the environment clean.
- Convenience and Comfort: The M2M RoPAX ferries are equipped with modern and upgraded facilities and interior design to ensure a convenient and comfortable ride for passengers and vehicles alike. The passenger cabins, lounges, etc., come with air-conditioned seating, seamless onboard services, and clean and accessible restrooms. What’s more, you can grab a bite or a drink at the small cafeteria present onboard the RoPax. So, the entire design is thoughtfully made to provide a pleasant experience while ensuring practicality.
In a nutshell, the M2M RoPAX is going to be a game-changer for passengers, who can travel with their cars and other vehicles while traveling from Mumbai to Goa. It will be a boon for people traveling for work or to pursue a career. However, you can always consider a car rent in Goa if you don’t find it feasible to travel with a vehicle.