The Philippine government seeks to boost the fleet of RoRo vessels to cover unserved routes throughout the country, according to the Maritime Industry Authority. Emerson Lorenzo, head of Marina’s Shipping Regulation Office,said that 30 RoRo ships are needed for unserviced routes nationwide. Each RoRo with a capacity of 500 gross tons costs $4 to $6m. Lorenzo said the additional RoRo vessels would improve the country’s cargo industry and strengthen the Central and Eastern Nautical Highways. Under the program, the government wants a RoRo port system to link the country’s islands. Another trigger for increased demand in new vessels is the April 2008 deadline for the phase-out of black cargo tankers plying Philippine waters.