The first of the two largest multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was launched virtually in Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Japan on Monday, July 26.
The two 94-meter MRRVs will be the largest vessels of the Coast Guard’s fleet once delivered in the country.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said the acquisition of the vessels is a breakthrough in the effort to modernize the effort to ensure the country’s maritime safety.
“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.
They were modeled after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Kunigami-class vessels, which have an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 24 knots.
The MRRVs are set to strengthen and sustain the maritime patrols in the country’s maritime waters including the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise.
PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said the addition of the two largest MRRVs was a big stride in strengthening the country’s maritime security capabilities.
“We are making a milestone, not just for the DOTr and PCG, but also for the Philippines – acquiring the first-ever biggest ship for the Coast Guard. It is a big stride in the development of our country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” Ursabia expressed.
The vessels were acquired by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the PCG under the Maritime Safety Capability Project (MSCIP) Phase II.
The MSCIP Phase II is a Japanese-assisted project funded by an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) amounting to approximately JPY 16,455,000,000 (JPY 16.5 billion).
The first 94-meter MRRV is expected to arrive in Manila in March 2022, while the second vessel will arrive in May 2022.