PCG looking to procure more multi-role vessels from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday that it was looking at the possibility of procuring additional 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) from Japan.

During a meeting with officials from Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Shimonoseki Shipyard, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante conveyed the possibility of procuring more MRRVs modeled after the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG's) Kunigami-class ships.

The Coast Guard earlier commissioned BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), which will be deployed to the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

The PCG said the 97-meter MRRVs were procured to increase their endurance and patrol capabilities as the ships could stay out at sea for at least 14 days.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) acquired the vessels for the PCG through its Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase 2, with funds from a loan from Japan's Official Development Assistance through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Fabricante also revealed that the BRP Teresa Magbanua, on its first-ever mission, participated in the Regional Maritime Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2022 held in Makassar, Indonesia last May 22 to 29. — DVM, GMA News