Senate Majority Leader: PH can Expand Fleet, Boost WPS Presence by Leasing Ships

05 Oktober 2024

BRP Miguel Malvar (FF-06) is seen here undergoing port-side fit-out works in HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' facility in Ulsan, South Korea. The ordering and building of a new ship can take at least five years until commissioning (photo: MaxDefense)

Tolentino: PH can expand fleet, boost WPS presence by leasing ships

MANILA, Philippines – Citing the urgent need of expanding the country’s maritime fleet and bolster its presence in the West Philippine Sea, Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino has proposed to the government to consider leasing ships from other countries. He noted that this option is already being practiced by superpowers like France and the United Kingdom.

“The ordering and building of a ship can take at least five years, but leased vessels can be readily acquired and deployed for the use of our personnel,” he pointed out, while noting that the newly passed government procurement law allows such an arrangement. 

He also noted that there are global companies that are into the business of leasing modern vessels, including those that can serve as maritime patrols, frigates, and medical ships.

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