No more perks for ROROs in missionary routes

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended the grant of investment protection and lower fees on roll on, roll off (RORO) vessels that offer trips to low-demand routes.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

In an order, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista suspended a memorandum circular allowing the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to issue missionary route status for RORO ships.

Department Order 2024-016, issued on Oct. 15, 2024, stops MARINA from further using its Memorandum Circular DS 2021-01 to hand out certain incentives to select RORO operators.

Bautista cited the possible competition risks being promoted by the circular. He said the grant of route protection and yearly discounts discourages other players from entering the market.