§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations are being made to allow roll - on-roll-off ferries to land their cargo on beaches where no hards exist.
§ Mr. LeeIn some instances roll-on/roll-off ships are able to land cargo on beaches through the use of floating pontoons known as Mexeflotes. At MOD's request the design of the Atlantic Conveyor replacement ship has been. 363W modified with this in mind. Methods of making improved use of Mexeflotes are under review and trials are planned later this year on the use of Mexeflotes in conjunction with ramps and platforms to unload roll-on/roll-off ships on to quaysides which do not have suitable disembarking facilities.