PCG commissions 2 new multi-role vessels from Japan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commissioned its two new multirole response vessels (MRRVs) from Japan yesterday.

In ceremonies led by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the PCG named the two 44-meter vessels BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409).

?As a tradition in the agency, a new vessel is commissioned to grant her an identity to be part of a service and to authorize her to perform the mandated mission of the agency, fly the national ensign, jack flag and the commission pennant.

The two new MRRVs are the seventh and eighth vessels loaned from Japan for P7.3 billion, the PCG said.

They have a standard cruising speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. 

They are also equipped with fire monitors, night vision camera, radio direction finder, a work boat and the bullet-proof navigational bridge. 

Under the project terms, the MRRVs will be the primary rescue vessels within the PCG district’s area of responsibility 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 area of responsibility, particularly relating to illegal fishing and sea patrol; serve as platform for rapid response during relief operations in the area and transportation of personnel and logistical support.

According to PCG, the Cape San Agustin and BRP Cabra were built by the Japan Marine United (JMU) Corp. in Yokohama, Japan.

The vessels were named after Cape San Agustin Lighthouse in Davao del Norte and Cabra Lighthouse in Occidental Mindoro.

The acquisition of the MRRVs is under the maritime safety capability improvement project, which was awarded by the transportation department to the JMU Corp.

It is being implemented as an official development assistance (ODA) project via a tied loan extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.