Coast Guard Acquires Formidable Japan-Made Vessels, the Largest In Its Fleet
The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) largest vessel in its fleet was just launched at the Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., the first of two 94-meter multirole response vessels (MMRVs) acquired by the Department of Transportation for the PCF.
Together, the two will present a formidable force as the largest vessels in the PCG’s fleet, modeled after Japan’s own coast guard’s vessels. The two vessels will have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots and can endure not less than 4,000 nautical miles.
The MMRVs were acquired to boost PCG’s capabilities in maritime search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaster response operations, and maritime law enforcement. The latter of which could send them to patrol one area of continued unrest: the West Philippine Sea.
“It is a big stride in the development of our country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” said coast guard commandant George V. Ursabia Jr., who also described the vessels as a milestone for the PCG, the DOTr, and the entire Philippines.
Both vessels will arrive in the first half of 2022.
The acquisition is part of a greater cooperation with the Japanese government, mainly the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II Program, which is part of the P7.52-billion official development assistance loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
