Philippine multi-mission offshore vessels complete trials

Josefa Slipways has completed speed and endurance trials as it prepares to deliver two 50-metre multi-mission offshore vessels (MMOV) to the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The Bureau Veritas-classed sister ships, BRP Lapu-Lapu and BRP Francisco Dagohoy were commissioned to to combat illegal fishing in Philippine waters.

Besides patrolling and protecting territorial waters, the multi-mission capability of the vessels includes disaster relief, rescue operations and fisheries research.

Accommodating 42 personnel, the vessels include a large aft working deck with a rescue craft launched from a deck crane, a nine-metre RHIB interceptor craft deployed from a specially designed well with a transom door, large deck locker and an emergency generator compartment.

There is a galley with adjoining freezer and cold rooms, medical clinic with lab and cold storage room, mess hall for crew, private mess hall for officers and conference room for 36 personnel.

The mid-deck house offers accommodations for officers and engineers, and a private conference room for 14 personnel.

The large pilothouse offers desks for navigation and communication equipment, and sleeping quarters for two pilots.

The vessels are powered by two Mitsubishi engines, coupled with Masson gearboxes and two fixed pitch propellers.

Two Baudouin generators will service the vessel’s primary electrical needs, with a third unit provided for emergency services.