Philippines Secures Acquisition of 40 Advanced Patrol Vessels from French Shipbuilder OCEA

the Philippine Coast Guard is gearing up for a meaningful upgrade, thanks to a new agreement with the Department of Transportation that will bring in 40 sleek, French-designed fast patrol boats. This initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of the Coast Guard.

In light of increasing maritime challenges, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for an expansion of Coast Guard operations.He pointed out the surge in maritime traffic, rising illegal activities at sea, and ongoing tensions with China as key factors driving this decision. With backing from international allies like France and Japan,efforts are underway to bolster the Philippines’ maritime security.

The current fleet consists of just 13 ocean-going patrol boats—a number that feels inadequate given the country’s vast archipelago of over 7,600 islands. Officials recognise that without additional resources and support from abroad, maintaining effective oversight will be tough.

The contract was inked on May 22 in Manila and involves constructing 40 fast patrol boats based on OCEA Group’s proven FPB 110 MKII design. These aluminum vessels will measure about 35 meters (115 feet) long and weigh around 110 tons. They can reach speeds between 28 to 35 knots while cruising comfortably at around 12 knots with a range extending up to 700 nautical miles—all operated by a crew of just 17.

This deal is estimated to be worth over €400 million (approximately $454 million). Under this arrangement, OCEA will build half of these vessels in France while establishing a joint shipbuilding venture for the remaining boats right here in the Philippines—an exciting step towards local manufacturing capabilities supported by an intergovernmental agreement between both nations.

The relationship between OCEA and the Philippines isn’t new; they previously delivered four smaller FPB-72 patrol boats back in 2017 for coastal operations. Plus, OCEA has set up maintenance facilities locally and recently renewed its service contract with the Coast Guard for another five years.

OCEA also constructed BRP Gabriela Silang, which became notable as one of the largest vessels within Philippine waters upon its delivery in late-2019. The company continues to provide integrated logistic support alongside maintenance services for these critical assets.

The addition of these new vessels is expected to substantially boost maritime presence along with rapid response capabilities against threats like illegal fishing or smuggling activities—essentially enhancing disaster response during natural calamities too! Moreover, they’ll improve collaboration not only within military ranks but also among agencies such as fisheries management and international partners working together toward safer seas.

Additonally, Japan has pledged further assistance by providing five more patrol ships slated for delivery between late-2027 through early-2028; this follows their earlier contribution which included twelve other vessels plus support during construction phases like that seen with BRP Teresa Magbanua, currently recognized as one fleet’s largest assets since entering service last year! p>