Japanese builder launches first of two 94m response vessels for Philippine Coast Guard

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding launched a new 94-metre multi-role response vessel (MRRV) at its Shimonoseki Shipyard on Monday, July 26.

The vessel is the first in a series of two that Mitsubishi will supply to the Philippine Coast Guard under a newbuilding contract awarded in February 2020.

The Philippine MRRVs were designed to be modified variants of the Kunigami-class patrol vessels in service with the Japan Coast Guard.

Each 94-metre MRRV will have a maximum speed in excess of 24 knots and a range of over 4,000 nautical miles as well as the ability to operate under sea state six. Primary functions will include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian and disaster relief.

The first MRRV is scheduled to be delivered to the Philippines in March 2022 while the second will follow three months later. These will be the largest vessels ever to be acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard, each one measuring around 10 metres longer than the service’s current flagship, the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang.

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