PHL Coast Guard’s First OPV BRP Gabriela Silang Finally Launched

18 Juli 2019

BRP Gabriela Silang OPV (all photos : PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that its first offshore patrol vessel (OPV) was launched today, July 17 at OCEA’s shipyard in France.

PCG said that the OPV, based on OCEA OPV 270, will be commissioned in the PCG service as Barko Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Gabriela Silang.

“It incorporates characteristically modern design with low radar cross section to minimize reflectability and a modern hull design capable of ocean voyage and operations in rough sea condition,” PCG said.

The vessel will be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea, Benham Rise and will be utilized in other anti-piracy and terrorism campaigns of the government in the Southern Philippines.

“This 83.6-meter long vessel has a maximum speed of 20 knots and it has an endurance that will take up to 22 days long and can accommodate 64 crew onboard,” PCG said.

PCG said the OPV is equipped with a mission management system (MMS) with dedicated command and control center, which integrates vessel’s sensors such as radars, automatic identification system (AIS), communications equipment, surveillance equipment, day and night vision camera, etc.

The future BRP Gabriela Silang also carries two 9-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) with speed of 40 knots specially designed for law enforcement to include visit and boarding of other vessels.

(Mintfo)