The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced the arrival of its first of four 24-meter Fast Patrol Boat type OCEA FPB72 Mark II from France.
“The acquisition of the patrol boats from France stemmed from the agreement entered by the DOTr and OCEA – a pioneer and renowned shipbuilder in France on 09 September 2014. Aside from the four patrol boats, the PCG will also be acquiring one (1) 82-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel with an over-all acquisition cost of P5.142 B,” the PCG said.
“The procurement of the vessels includes training, provision of spare parts and technical assistance after the delivery date,” PCG added.
The first 24-meter patrol boat will be officially known as BRP Boracay (2401) in PCG service.
French shipbuilder OCEA launched to the sea the third of four 24-meter FPB72 Mark II, BRP Malamawi (2403). The second 24-meter patrol boat, BRP Panglao (2402), was launched on June 4.
These 24-meter FPB were designed “to ensure all typical Coast Guard missions such as: Coast Patrol of Territorial and Economic Zone Waters; Surveillance and Coast Guard operations; Fishing surveillance operations; Smuggling, fight against illegal immigration and fishing activities; Search and rescue operations; Control of vessels at sea.”
“Entirely designed and built by OCEA, this versatile and competitive 24 m type OCEA FPB 72 MKII is based on the model already operated by the Surinam Coast Guard (2 units) and Nigerian Navy (7 units) and adapted to meet the operational requirements of the Philippine Coast Guards,” OCEA said.
OCEA committed to deliver all four 24-meter FPB72 Mark IIs this year.
OCEA is also building an 84-meter offshore patrol vessel type OCEA OPV 270 for PCG, expected to be delivered in 2019.
(Mintfo)