The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s newest and largest vessel, which will be known as BRP Gabriela Silang is expected to arrive from France in February 2020.
An earlier report from PCG says that the said vessel will start voyage to Philippines today, December 30. A change of flag ceremony was held on December 18 marking the turn over of official ownership to the Republic of the Philippines.
The vessel, an 83-meter offshore patrol vessel, was built by French shipbuilder OCEA.
“The ship is designed for voyage and operations in rough sea condition,” PCG said.
PCG noted that BRP Gabriela Silang will be put into service for sustainable presence at sea to increase the PCG patrols in the Philippine Rise and West Philippine Sea since it has a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles and can patrol up to 22 days long at sea.
(Mintfo)