Philippines commissions second and final Magbanua-class patrol vessel, plans to acquire more

 

The BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) during commissioning ceremonies on 12 June 2022. Photo c/o PCG.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commissioned its second and final Magbanua-class 97-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV).

The commissioning of the ship, named BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) was held in Manila on 12 June 2022, as part of the country's 124th Independence Day celebrations, and was attended by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Consul General to the Philippines Okajima Hiroyuki.

The ship, together with its sistership BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) are currently the Philippine Coast Guard's largest sea assets, and were acquired as part of the Department of Transportation's Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase II in cooperation with the Japanese Government.

The ship, based on a variant of the Japan Coast Guard's Kunigami-class patrol vessel, was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Shimonoseki Shipyard in Japan, and was arrived in the Philippines on 01 June 2022.

Philippine defense page MaxDefense Philippines confirmed that based on the project's program, the ship is 96.6 meters long, has a maximum width of 11.3 meters, and a draft of 4.3 meters.

The ships are powered by two diesel engines with output of 6,600 kilowatts each, allowing a maximum speed of more than 24 knots, and a maximum range of more than 4,000 nautical miles at cruising speed.

The ship has a helicopter landing deck and a multi-purpose hangar for light to medium helicopters, and is capable of supporting the operation of the PCG's current fleet of Airbus H145 helicopter, and other future helicopters being eyed by the PCG for acquisition.

The new ships will be used to conduct maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

PCG Deputy Commander for Operations Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante remarked during a visit by executives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on 14 June 2022 that it plans to acquire more Magbanua-class MRRVs from Japan.




[1] Philippine Coast Guard
[2] Philippine Defense Resource
[3] GMA News