The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. launched on Monday the first of two 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MMRVs) that it acquired for the Philippine Coast Guard.
Modeled after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Kunigami-class vessels, the ships will have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.
Once delivered, these two vessels will be the “largest” of the Coast Guards’ fleet. They may be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said 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.”
“The modernization of Philippine Coast Guard 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 acquisition of the two vessels is part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II (MSCIP Phase 2) Program, an official development assistance (ODA) loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) worth P7.52 billion.
The first vessel will arrive in March 2022, while the second one two months after.
Coast Guard Commandant George V. Ursabia Jr said that the addition of the two MRRVs “is a big stride in strengthening the country’s maritime security and maritime safety capabilities.”
“We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard, but also for the Philippines—acquiring the first-ever biggest ship for the Coast Guard. It is a 94-meter multi-role response vessel. It is a big stride in the development of our country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” Ursabia said.
Image courtesy of Japan Embassy