Coast Guard to discuss with Japanese builder plan to upgrade two 40-meter MRRV to 80-meter class

From Ang Malaya (May 13): Coast Guard to discuss with Japanese builder plan to upgrade two 40-meter MRRV to 80-meter class

The Philippine Coast Guard is looking into the possibility of upgrading two of ten 40-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV) ordered from Japan Marine United Corporation to 80-meter class vessels, PCG spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo told state-run news agency.

PCG is planning to discuss the possibility with the Japanese builder. Balilo said longer vessels have the capability to conduct longer maritime patrolling.

JMU won the bidding for 10 40-meter MRRVs against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Niigata Shipbuilding and Sumidagawa Shipyard. The project is known as Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project of DOTC being implemented under Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan Agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Staggered delivery will start third quarter of 2016 up to the third quarter of 2018.
These vessels, when delivered, will act as primary rescue vessels within the PCG Districts area of responsibility (AOR) when the extent of the disaster is beyond
the capability of floating assets deployed within the AOR of a PCG Station and help assist in the control of oil pollution and protection of maritime environment.
PCG MRRVs will also enforce applicable maritime laws within the designated AOR.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/13/10904-coast-guard-to-discuss-with-japanese-builder-plan-to-upgrade-two-40-meter-mrrv-to-80-meter-class