Philippine Coast Guard’s ten 40-meter vessels to improve maritime law enforcement

From AngMalaya (Aug 14): Philippine Coast Guard’s ten 40-meter vessels to improve maritime law enforcement

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shortlisted four Japanese firms qualified to join the bidding for 10 40-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV). These are Japan Marine United Co., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Nigata Shipbuilding and Repair Inc., and Sumidagawa Shipyard Co. Inc.

Japan International Cooperation Agency under Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) through Official Development Assistance granted the loan. With this, Philippine government will be able to procure 10 MRRVs.

“This initiative combines enhancing the Philippine capability on search and rescue responsibilities with disaster response and maritime safety. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, maritime safety is critical to the country’s socioeconomic development,” Jica Chief Representative in the Philippines Takahiro Sasaki said last December 2013.

These coast guard patrol vessels, when delivered, will be deployed in Manila, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Puerto Princesa, La Union, Iloilo, San Fernando (La Union), Davao, Legaspi and Cagayan de Oro.

Pre-bid meeting will be conducted on August 26. The project is under Philippine Coast Guard’s P8 billion maritime safety capability improvement project.

“The project aims to improve the capabilities of the PCG to quickly and appropriately respond to coastal maritime incidents, such as search-and-rescue missions, maritime law enforcement activities by providing MRRVs to the PCG,” DOTC said.

These multi-role response vessels are expected to be delivered next year (three) until 2016 (seven).

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/08/14/3175-philippine-coast-guards-ten-40-meter-vessels-to-improve-maritime-law-enforcement