THE 10 multi-role response vessels that are now built for the Philippine Coast Guard in Japan may be deployed for a maritime safety role in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard said Thursday.
PCG commander Rear Admiral William Melad said the first two of the 10 MRRVs are expected to be delivered this September, seven months after their keels were laid last February.
“[The MRRVs can] be deployed anywhere but the project is all about maritime safety improvement,” Melad said.
“Basically its for search-and-rescue and other needs, but if needed to augment [our naval presence] at the West Philippine Sea, it could be deployed there, as it could also be used for security patrols,” he added.
He said the 10 MRRVs are being built by Japan Marine United Corp. will cost more than P8.8 billion and will be partially funded through an official development assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The loan facility covers P7.374 billion while the balance of P1.434 billion will be sourced from counterpart funds to be provided by the Philippine government.
Under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project, Melad said two of the vessels are set to be delivered in September, another six in 2017 and the remaining two in 2018.
Melad said the vessels will be 44 meters long with approximate width of 7.5 meters and depth of 4 meters. The main engines will be two MTU 12V4000M93L with cruising speeds of 15 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles.
The crew will consist of five officers and 20 men.
Melad said the project is part of government’s program to equip our forces with necessary assets to protect the national marine interest and will help the Coast Guard in its functions of maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas.
The MRRVs will be deployed to various PCG Districts across the country, including Manila, La Union, and Puerto Prinsesa.