Ship for PH Coast Guard launched in Japan
MANILA, Philippines—Japan’s Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. on Thursday (Nov. 18) launched the second of two multi-role response vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard at the Shimonoseki Shipyard.
Filipino officials and representatives from the Japanese shipbuilder witnessed the short but significant event physically and online.
“These security assets will greatly safeguard the country’s maritime resources,” said Transport Undersecretary George Ursabia Jr., a former coast guard chief, who represented Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade.
He said the ships would boost PCG capabilities in maritime search and rescue, law enforcement, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
The 97-meter vessels, which would be the biggest in the PCG fleet, are expected to be delivered next year.
The ships are funded by an official development assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) worth P7 billion.
The deal is the second phase of the PCG Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project. The first phase, which involved the acquisition of 10 units of 44-meter multi-role response vessels, was completed in 2018.
Tokyo has extended significant assistance to the PCG over the past years by providing equipment, training for maritime safety and security, among others.
