The transportation department has awarded the P8.8-billion deal that aims to enhance the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) ability to protect the country’s seas, a Cabinet member announced on Sunday.
Specifically, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya said, the project involves the construction of 10-meter multirole response vessels (MRRVs) and their staggered delivery from the third quarter of 2016 to the third quarter of 2018. It was awarded to Japan Marine United Corp. (JMU) last week.
“This project is part of the government’s program to equip our forces with necessary assets to protect the national marine interest. These 10 new vessels will help the Coast Guard in its functions of maritime-law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas,” he said.
The project will be funded by loan from Japan under the official development assistance program.
The loan facility from the Japan International Cooperation Agency covers P7.37 billion,
out of the total project cost of P8.81 billion.
Under the project terms, the MRRVs will be used by the PCG to rescue vessels within the agency’s districts’ areas of responsibility (AOR), when the extent of the disaster is beyond the capability of floating assets deployed within the area.
The vehicles will also be used to assist in the control of oil pollution and protection of the marine environment, the enforcement of applicable maritime laws within the designated AOR, particularly relating to illegal fishing and sea patrol.
These sea-patrol vessels will also be used as platform for rapid response during relief operations in the area, and the transport of personnel and logistical support.
The MRRVs will be deployed to various PCG Districts across the country, including Manila, La Union and Puerto Prinsesa.
JMU’s winning bid also includes the supply of standard spare parts and tools, crew training, ocean transportation and marine insurance. The vessels will have a standard cruising speed of 16 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles.
1 comment
I think 16 knots is too slow, even for cruising speed.