MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will receive, by the first half of next year, two 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) that can withstand harsh weather conditions and conduct sea patrols in the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise.
In a statement, the PCG said the first MRRV will arrive in the country by March next year, and the second vessel in May.
The two MRRVs would be the largest addition to the PCG’s fleet. The MRRVs, modeled after the Japan Coast Guard Kunigami-class vessels, are expected to improve the PCG’s maritime security and safety capabilities.
Each MRRV measures approximately 94 meters, 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 would 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.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the new vessels would be of great help in responding to maritime incidents in the country’s waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), such as in the conduct of search and rescue operations and maritime security patrols, as well as in the enforcement of marine environmental laws.
“This modernized and upgraded fleet signals our burning desire to enhance the PCG’s ability to timely respond to maritime incidents and strengthen our maritime law enforcement while securing our exclusive economic zones, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise,” Tugade said.
“It will also beef up the Philippines’ search and rescue missions as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” he added.
The MRRVs were acquired by the Department of Transportation for the PCG under phase two of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP).
“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 big stride in the development of our country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” PCG commandant George Ursabia Jr. 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. – Richmond Mercurio