The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed a maintenance contract with French shipbuilding company OCEA over the weekend to strengthen the operational readiness and sustainability of its fleet of French-built patrol vessels, it said Saturday, April 12.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and OCEA Representative Monsieur Jacques Briand led the ceremony in Makati City last Friday, April 11. It was also graced by French Ambassador to the Philippines Laurent Saint-Martin, and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio Dizon, who served as honored witnesses to the partnership.
Under the agreement, OCEA will provide technical support, regular maintenance services, and a steady supply of essential spare parts for the PCG’s OCEA-built vessel, the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).
OCEA agreed to supply and deliver services and parts for a one-year integrated logistics support (ILS) intended for BRP Gabriela Silang for P130 million or any amount that may later be adjusted.
Moreover, OCEA also agreed to supply and deliver services and parts for an additional three-month ILS intended for PCG’s four 24-meter fast patrol boats for an additional P50 million or any amount that may later be adjusted.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in the PCG’s continued commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection,” Gavan said.
To recall, OCEA pledged in December 2022 to develop a P1.5-billion shipyard in the Philippines that would possibly offer 500 to 600 direct and indirect jobs in the country, as it aims to build 15 to 120-meter boats for maritime safety and security, transportation, and fisheries.
The initial investment pledge was made by OCEA during the ninth Philippine-France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting in July 2021. The commitment was formalized through a letter of intent sent to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the creation of OCEA Shipbuilding Philippines, Inc.
The maintenance contract aims to ensure the long-term performance, efficiency, and seaworthiness of the said vessel, which play a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.