PHL Commissions 2 New Japan-Made Vessels

24 Agustus 2018

BRP Cape Engano MRRV 4411 (photo : PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today commissioned to service BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV 4411) and BRP Bagacay (MRRV 4410) – the final two of ten ordered Parola-class multi-role response vessels from Japan built by Japan Marine United.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero attended as presiding officer, while Office of the President Executive Secretary Atty. Salvador Campo Medialdea attended as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

“As a tradition, a vessel is being commissioned to grant its identity to belong to a service and to authorize it to perform the mandated missions of the agency, fly the national ensign, jack flag and the commission penant,” PCG said.

PCG said the Parola-class vessels have a standard cruising speed of 25 knots, and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. Its feature includes fire monitors, night vision camera, radio direction finder, a work boat, and the bullet-proof navigational bridge.

BRP Bagacay MRRV 4410 (photo : PCG)

“Under the project terms, the MRRVs will be the primary rescue vessels within the PCG district’s area of responsibility (AOR) when the extent of the disaster is beyond the capability of floating assets deployed within the area; provision of assistance in the control of oil pollution and protection of the marine environment; enforcement of all applicable maritime laws within the designated AOR, particularly relating to illegal fishing and sea patrol; service as platform for rapid response during relief operations in the area; and transportation of personnel and logistical support,” PCG said.

The vessels were acquired through the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for PCG Phase 1 funded mainly through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) official development assistance (ODA) loan.

The contract with Japan Marine United was awarded in April 2015. The first Parola-class MRRV, BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) was commissioned in October 2016.

(Mintfo)