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Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships are designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks,
trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle,
such as a self-propelled modular transporter. The bow doors of Ro-Ro ships are an essential feature for
enabling the efficient loading and unloading of this cargo.

There are mainly two types of bow doors used in Ro-Ro ships:

1. Bow Visor: This type of door acts like a visor and is hinged at the top. It lifts up to allow access to the
cargo deck. Bow visors are common on older Ro-Ro vessels and are typically used in conjunction with a
ramp that allows vehicles to drive directly onto the ship.

2. Clam-Type Bow Door: This is considered a safer option compared to the bow visor. It consists of two
doors that meet in the middle, similar to a clamshell. These doors open sideways and provide a larger
opening for cargo, which can be beneficial for loading and unloading operations.

Both types of bow doors must meet stringent safety and operational requirements. They should be located
above the vertical limit of watertight integrity and are often accompanied by an inner door that is gasketed and
weathertight, forming part of the collision bulkhead. The design and operation of these doors are governed by
various regulations and classification society rules to ensure the safety of the vessel and its cargo.

In addition to these, there might be other specialized types of bow doors that are designed to meet specific
operational requirements of certain Ro-Ro ships. These doors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure
they comply with the necessary safety standards and operational needs.