PCG to acquire 40 units of fast patrol craft from France

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday said 40 units of 35-meter fast patrol craft will be acquired from French shipbuilding company OCEA to expand its operations amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, the PCG said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the French shipbuilding company signed the contract on Thursday.

“As part of the PCG Modernization Program, the agreement formalized the acquisition of 40 high-speed multi-role vessels, which are expected to enhance the PCG’s maritime presence and rapid response capabilities nationwide,” the PCG said.

The acquisition of new assets is done through a government-to-government financing agreement under the Agreement on Financial and Development Cooperation (AFDC) between the Philippines and France.

PCG chief Admiral Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the high-speed vessels promote self-reliance in naval shipbuilding as 20 of the 40 units of FPC will be constructed locally.

This will help the domestic maritime industry, jobs creation, and technology transfer, Gavan said.

According to the PCG, the acquisition of fast patrol craft is supported by a nine-year Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) plan to ensure sustained operational readiness and long-term asset maintenance.

With these assets, the PCG said the responses to maritime threats like illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, and maritime terrorism will be faster and more effective.

The interoperability of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and international partners will also improve.

These assets will also serve as rapid deployment platforms for rescue, relief, and emergency operations during natural disasters and maritime incidents.

“These assets will be utilized to advance President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s directive to the PCG to expand its operations amid complex maritime challenges, such as the growing maritime traffic, rising incidents of illegal activities at sea, and tensions in the WPS,” the PCG said.

The contract signing ceremony was graced by French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan PCG, and OCEA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Roland Joassard. —VAL, GMA Integrated News