The two 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are expected to arrive in the country by first half of next year.
The first of two MRRVs acquired by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the PCG under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase 2 has been launched at the Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Japan yesterday.
The two MRRVs will be the largest vessels of the PCG’s fleet, once delivered. These MRRVs, modeled after the Japan Coast Guard Kunigami-class vessels, are expected to improve the PCG’s maritime security and safety capabilities.
Through the accelerated construction of the Japanese shipbuilder, the first 94-meter MRRV is expected to arrive in Manila by March 2022, while the second vessel will arrive two months later or by May 2022.
Each of the new MRRVs has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. The ships are capable of conducting sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.
In addition, the two vessels will significantly boost the capabilities of the PCG in conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
Arthur Tugade, DOTr secretary,said the acquisition of new vessels is a breakthrough towards the government’s thrust of modernizing and upgrading the country’s maritime safety and border protection.
“The modernization of PCG has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much. And to which I express my appreciation for your continued support,” Tugade said.
The MSCIP Phase 2 is a Japanese-assisted project funded by an official development assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency amounting to approximately 16.5 billion yen.
