Wazzup Pilipinas!
The capability of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to secure the country's waters and coastal areas received a needed boost with the signing today, Feb. 7, 2020, of a contract for the supply and delivery of two 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs).
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade led the signing ceremony between the agency and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., which won the contract.
The new MRRVs to be delivered to the Philippines from Japan are part of the PCG Maritime Capability Improvement Project Phase II.
The project's first phase was completed in August 2018 with the delivery of 10 MRRVs from Japan. Both projects are funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The two 94-meter MRRVs feature a secured communications system; has a capability for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, detection, tracking, and interdiction; and can be used for search and rescue operations and disaster response.
It also has helideck and a hangar for helicopter operations, an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for subsurface search and survey, and two high-speed rubber boats. The vessel also has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.
These new assets will further boost the capabilities of the PCG in responding to offshore and coastal maritime incidents.
In his message, Secretary Tugade said that this development helps in the fulfillment of President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision to modernize the PCG.
He also thanked the government of Japan for their support to the projects of the DOTr, especially in the improvement of the country’s maritime force.
“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,” the transportation chief said.
For their part, JICA Philippines and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., assured that they will continue their support and cooperation with the programs and projects of the DOTr.
“Through the time, JICA partnering with PCG is a testament to the strong friendship between our two nations: Japan and the Philippines – both maritime nations where seaborne trade plays a crucial role in our economic growth,” JICA Chief Representative Yoshio Wada said.
“We look forward to work with you all in this important project and we sincerely appreciate your continuous cooperation to make this project successful,” Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., President and CEO Koji Okura expressed.
Meanwhile, PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia expressed his enthusiasm in the delivery of the vessels as this will greatly benefit the PCG in delivering its mandate to enforce maritime laws, safeguard life and property at sea, and protect the marine environment.
“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. And It is a big stride to the development of this country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety.”
The two vessels are expected to be delivered in 2022.
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