Pinoy execs in France to inspect boats for PCG

MANILA, Philippines -  Filipino officials inspected four brand new 24-meter fast patrol boats in France purchased by the Philippine government to modernize its Coast Guard fleet.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade visited the shipyard of French boat manufacturer OCEA in Sables d’Olonne on Saturday to inspect the French patrol boats (FPV 72 MKII).

The boats are part of the contract signed between the Department of Transportation and OCEA on Sept. 9, 2014 to modernize the Coast Guard’s fleet.

Aside from the four fast patrol boats, the contract also includes a brand new 82-meter offshore patrol vessel (OPV 270 MKII), a five-year preventive maintenance for all five boats, spare parts and technical assistance and training for the crew.

Tugade had a discussion with OCEA officials led by CEO Roland Joassard.

Tugade pointed out the strategic location of the Philippines as a regional hub for ship repair and how OCEA could come in as a supplier of patrol boats to other countries in the region.

Joassard promised to assist the Philippines in this endeavor and made a verbal commitment to sign an agreement before yearend.

Tugade led the Philippine delegation that included Ambassador Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Philippine Coast Guard OIC Commodore Joel Garcia, Bases Conversion Development Authority president and CEO Vivencio Dizon, Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez and Consul Rapunzel Acop.