The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has commissioned the Barko Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Teresa Magbanua, its newest and largest multi-role response vessel (MRRV-9701).
MRRV-9701 is the first of two 97-meter vessels being built as part of the Japanese government’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II (MSCIP).
The ship, which was built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. in Japan, is roughly 97 meters long, has a top speed of 24 knots, and a cruise range of up to 4,000 nautical miles.
Secure communication systems for EEZ surveillance, a helideck and hangar for helicopter operations, an underwater remotely controlled vehicle for subsurface search and survey, high-speed rubber boats, and other vital equipment for maritime law enforcement operations are all on board.
The second vessel, BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), is expected to arrive next month, according to PCG Commandant Adm. Artemio Abu. From March 28 to March 31, 2022, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. completed sea trials for the unit off the coast of Shimonoseki, Japan.
