Japanese firm starts assembly of MRRV

MANILA, Philippines - Japan Marine United Corp. (JMU), the company which bagged the P8.8-billion contract to supply 10 multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has started assembly of the vessels, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said.

The DOTC said Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya led the Philippine delegation during the keel laying and safety prayer ceremony held in Yokohama, Japan last Feb. 6.

Keel laying is considered the first milestone in vessel construction, marking the time that steel cutting works are substantially completed and elements are ready for assembly.

The Anzen-kigan-sai, a traditional Japanese Shinto ceremony, was also held to pray for the safe construction of the MRRVs.

“Through this meaningful ceremony, we appreciate the start of construction of the first vessel, and also highlight the full implementation of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) after many years of hard work and close cooperation with Japan,” Abaya said.

The 10-meter MRRVs are part of the MSCIP, which aims to strengthen the patrol capabilities of the PCG.

Through the project, the PCG would be able to respond more effectively and conduct maritime law enforcement activities within Philippine seas.

The project is being funded through official development assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The first MRRV is expected to arrive in the Philippines in September.

The succeeding vessels meanwhile, will be delivered quarterly beginning December until the final MRRV arrives in August 2018.