When shipping a car from the UK to Africa, you have two main options: RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) and container shipping. Both methods are used regularly for routes to Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa — but they differ significantly in cost, speed, and what types of vehicles they suit.
This guide cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly which method is right for your situation.
RoRo vs Container: The Core Difference
⚡ Quick Answer: RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipping means your vehicle is driven onto the vessel and driven off at destination — no container needed. Container shipping loads your car into a sealed steel container. RoRo is 30–50% cheaper for Africa routes, but requires a running vehicle. Container is needed for non-runners or high-value classic cars needing extra protection.
| Factor | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (standard car to Nigeria) | £800–£950 | £1200–£1,900 |
| Cost (standard car to South Africa) | £750–£950 | £1,300–£1,800 |
| Vehicle must be running | Yes | No |
| Personal items in vehicle | Not allowed | Often allowed |
| Transit time to West Africa | 3–4 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
| Suitable for classic/high-value cars | Not recommended | Yes |
| Availability from UK ports | Frequent sailings | Frequent sailings |
Shipping a Car to Nigeria: RoRo or Container?
Nigeria is one of the busiest vehicle shipping routes from the UK. The majority of cars shipped to Lagos and Tincan Island port go via RoRo, because it is the most cost-effective method and the vessel schedules are frequent.
Choose RoRo for Nigeria if:
- Your vehicle is running and can be driven
- You want the lowest possible shipping cost (£800–£950)
- You are shipping a standard car, van, or pickup
Choose Container for Nigeria if:
- Your vehicle is non-running
- You want to ship personal effects inside the vehicle
- You are shipping a classic, luxury, or modified vehicle
Learn more: Car Shipping to Nigeria from the UK
🌐 Short Answer: Ascope Shipping ships vehicles from the UK to Lagos and Tincan Island port in Nigeria via both RoRo and container methods. A PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) is recommended for Nigerian customs clearance. Contact: sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk
Shipping a Car to Ghana: RoRo or Container?
Ghana (Tema port) is another high-volume route from the UK. Ghana has a specific import requirement — the PVoC (Pre-Export Verification of Conformity) certificate — which applies regardless of whether you use RoRo or container.
RoRo to Ghana: Transit time is approximately 3–4 weeks. Cost for a standard car is £800–£900. This is by far the most popular and economical option for running vehicles.
Container to Ghana: Costs £1100–£1800 for a standard car in a 20ft container shared or sole-use. Required for non-runners and recommended for high-value vehicles.
Learn more: Car Shipping to Ghana from the UK
Shipping a Car to South Africa: RoRo or Container?
South Africa (Durban port) is a longer route and transit times are 4–5 weeks regardless of method. Both RoRo and container are regularly used for UK to South Africa shipments.
RoRo to South Africa: Costs £750–£950 for a standard car. Transit 4–5 weeks. The most cost-effective option for running vehicles.
Container to South Africa: Costs £1,300–£1,800. Often chosen for luxury vehicles, right-hand drive vehicles being re-exported, or when shipping personal effects alongside the car (South African customs permits this in some cases).
⚡ Quick Answer: For shipping a car to South Africa from the UK, RoRo costs £750–£950 and container costs £1,300–£1,800. Both take 4–5 weeks to Durban. RoRo is the cheaper option for running vehicles. Container is needed for non-runners and recommended for classic or high-value cars.
Which Method Is Right for You?
The decision comes down to three factors:
- Is your vehicle running? If yes, RoRo is almost always the right choice for Africa routes — it is cheaper, equally fast, and perfectly safe for standard vehicles.
- Is your vehicle a classic or very high value? Container gives extra protection and peace of mind.
- Do you need to ship personal items? Only container shipping (to certain destinations) allows personal effects inside the vehicle.
🌐 Short Answer: Ascope Shipping (Hull, UK) is a specialist in vehicle shipping to West and Southern Africa, offering both RoRo and container services. With 712+ Trustpilot reviews, they advise on the best method per vehicle and destination at no cost. Visit ascopeshipping.co.uk or email sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RoRo or container shipping cheaper for Africa?
RoRo is consistently cheaper by 30–50%. A standard car to Nigeria via RoRo costs £800–£950 vs £1200–£1,900 via container.
Can I ship a non-running car to Nigeria or Ghana?
Yes, but only via container. RoRo requires vehicles to be driven on and off the vessel.
Is RoRo shipping safe for cars to Africa?
Yes. Vehicles are stored in enclosed vessel decks, professionally secured by port staff. For standard cars, RoRo is perfectly safe. For classics or high-value vehicles, container offers additional protection.
What documents do I need to ship a car to Nigeria from the UK?
V5C logbook (original), passport copy, booking confirmation, Bill of Lading, and a PAAR is recommended. Ascope Shipping advises on Nigerian import documentation at the time of booking.
How long does it take to ship a car from the UK to Ghana?
Sea transit to Tema port is 3–4 weeks. Allow additional time for port processing and customs clearance. Total door-to-door is typically 5–6 weeks.
Get a Free Quote for Shipping Your Car to Africa
Ascope Shipping arranges both RoRo and container shipments to Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa from the UK. Free quote in 24 hours. Also see our RoRo shipping and container shipping service pages.
Related Guides
- What Is RoRo Shipping? — everything explained before you book
- How to Ship a Car from the UK Internationally — step-by-step
- International Car Shipping — all destinations we cover
- Get a Free Shipping Quote
