Definitions
- RO-RO Transport: Marine shipping mode where cargo units move by their own wheels or mobile systems on/off vessels via ramps.
- RO-RO Vessel: Vessels enabling horizontal transfer of cargo using ship or shore ramps.
- RO-RO Cargo: Unitized cargo moved using own motive power or temporary handling equipment compatible with RO-RO loading/unloading.
Policy Guidelines
- Adheres to "No Work, No Pay" principle in cargo handling.
- Pure RO-RO ports incur no cargo handling interplay charges unless operated by a port operator.
- Focus on improving RO-RO transport efficiency and productivity.
- Aims to integrate RO-RO as part of the road system, minimizing delays.
- Promotes nationwide RO-RO service adoption with short-term port improvements.
- In mixed-operation ports, RO-RO transport charges must be treated separately unless handled by the Authority.
Classification of RO-RO Cargoes
- RO-RO Self-Propelled: Vehicles moving under own power without rehandling.
- CHA-RO: Chassis or trailers towed or wheeled without cargo rehandling, except lashing/unlashing.
- STO-RO: Conventional/unitized cargo moved using forklifts acting as temporary mobile systems.
- Others: Cargo needing rehandling on wharf considered conventional.
RO-RO Operations Areas
- Marshalling Area: Allocation of queuing lanes, signage, access lanes, possibly requiring coordination with local governments.
- Segregation of RO-RO Traffic: Sequential unloading/loading: passenger disembarkation, inbound cargo, passenger boarding, outbound cargo loading.
- Loading Sequence: Shipping companies must book and indicate cargo loading order; alternatively, a "first-come first-served" protocol may apply.
RO-RO Operational Services
- Designated marshalling areas.
- Cargo receipt and direction by cargo handlers.
- Supervision of parking and loading/unloading sequences.
- Security custody for RO-RO cargo.
- Stowage planning by vessel officers.
- Drivers maneuver cargo on/off vessels.
- Securing cargo onto decks by vessel crew or cargo handlers.
- Provision of equipment like prime movers and forklifts when required.
Responsibilities and Handling
- Cargo handling contractor (CH Contractor) responsible from cargo receipt until loading and proper receipt on board.
- Responsibility during unloading starts when cargo is unlashed and ends once properly received by owner.
- Owner-driven cargo responsibilities end upon direction to ship's ramp or unlash.
- CH Contractor liable for damage or loss during custody.
- Shore-based ramps and equipment may be agreed upon if vessel ramps unusable, rates subject to agreement and PPA arbitration.
Handling Fees and Rates
- Ceiling rates established for various cargo types:
- Self-propelled vehicles: Rates vary by vehicle type and size.
- CHA-RO: Differentiated by size and subtype; some conventional cargo charged at percentage of conventional tariffs.
- STO-RO: Container and palletized cargo charged by size and weight-based rates.
- One-time charge system applies to designated regular route RO-RO vessels where fees are doubled and collected at loading port.
- Shipping operators may collect and remit fees with proper receipts showing detailed charges.
Transition and Implementation
- PPA aims to improve RO-RO handling continuously, with gradual phase-out of cargo handling operator involvement for self-propelled operations.
- Preparation for PPA take-over considers operations, development plans, regulations, feasibility, and associated costs.
- Upon full take-over, Authority collects all handling charges; PMO may contract out handling retaining 10% fee.
- RO-RO operations separated in contracts upon expiration for RO-RO capable ports.
Legal Provisions
- Invalid provisions do not affect remainder of the order.
- Supersedes all inconsistent PPA issuances or parts thereof.
- Effective fifteen days after second publication in a newspaper.