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Magbanua-class Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV)

Two Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) are under construction at the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s Shimonoseki Shipyard (Yamaguchi Prefecture) and are scheduled to be delivered to the PCG in 2022. Once completed, the Mitsubishi-built MRRVs will be the largest vessels in the Philippine Coast Guard, surpassing the recently delivered 84-metre offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Gabriela Silang. The Notice of Award (NOA) released 17 January 2020 in favor of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., with contract Signing held on 07 February 2020.

The Republic of the Philippines has over 7,000 islands and the 5th largest coastline in the world (approx. 36,000 km). It is an island nation, and maritime transport plays a major role in the country's economic and social development. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines has a plan for a maritime highway (cargo ship capable of storing vehicles (RoRo(Long-distance transportation network concept connecting the islands by connecting the ship) and the main roads on the island). In recent years, passenger and freight transportation between islands has increased. In addition to this, deterioration of ships has produced accidents due to improper operation such as aging and overloading, and the effects of natural disasters that have increased in recent years.

Contrary to belief that the MRRV project was a Japanese initiative, it was actually the collaboration by the Philippine government and the Australian government that made way to the idea of acquiring such vessels. The requirement for MRRVs was first published in the document RA008-02: Formulating a National Transport Plan that dates to March 2010. It was commissioned by the Philippines Australia Partnership for Economic Governance Reforms (PEGR) group and was initiated by the Australian Government. It stated that the Philippine Government work for the "Development of maritime disaster response capabilities" objective is a target of acquiring twelve (12) Maritime Disaster Response Vessels.

The same MRRV requirement was stated more clearly in one of the early documents made available to the public, th July 2011 commitment plan of the Philippines to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, which stated a "Need to acquire the following surface assets: two (2) 100-meter high endurance vessels" among other Coast Guard requirements stated.By 2013, the former Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) detailed a plan for the "Acquisition of two- 92-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels".

Among the agreements signed and conducted on the margins of the 2015 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting as of 25 November 2015, Japan and the Philippines stated: "Japan will consider the specifics of Philippine request for two large Coast Guard patrol vessels." This led to the Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Safety Response Capacity Enhancement Plan. This project is indispensable to the operation of PCG, which is responsible for maritime safety in the Philippines, an island nation. The project would contribute to improving the ability to quickly respond to marine accidents and maritime crimes by providing such vessels. It complied with the Philippine government's development policy and Japan's assistance policy. Therefore, it seemed highly necessary and appropriate to support the implementation of the project.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Yokohama City), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has received an order for two large patrol vessels (94m class) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) procured by Japanese ODA. The two will be delivered to PGC by 2022.

On 07 February 2020, a contract signing ceremony was held between the Philippine government and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding regarding the delivery of two large patrol boats between the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tougade and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding President Koji Okura. The contract was signed. In addition, PCG Secretary Joel Garcia and Director Yoshiro Wada of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office were present.

"The modernization of the PCG is happening rapidly and quickly. The Japanese government has made a huge contribution," said Dotr Secretary Tugade, "PCG Secretary Garcia said, "The acquisition of a 94-meter patrol boat is the Philippines' maritime safety." This is an epoch-making achievement for security." JICA's Director Wada also said, "The partnership between the two countries in the shipping sector is important for promoting economic and trade. The partnership between JICA and PCG is a proof of the friendly relationship between Japan and the Philippines."

The 94-meter-class patrol vessel delivered to PGC is an improvement based on the "Kunisaki-type patrol vessel (1,700 tons, 96 meters)" held by the Japan Coast Guard. It will be a specification. It will be the largest vessel for PCG, which has a deck and hangar where helicopters similar to the "Kunisaki type" can land. It boasts high performance with a maximum speed of 24 knots or more and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles or more. It will be used to prevent maritime crime such as terrorism in the Philippine territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), control illegal operations, and rescue maritime accidents.

This 94-meter-class patrol boat construction fund was provided with a yen loan under the "Philippines Coast Guard Maritime Safety Response Capacity Enhancement Plan (Phase 2)" signed in October 2016 (the maximum grant amount: 16,455 million yen, interest rate : 0.1% a year, redemption {deferred} period: 40 years {including deferred period of 10 years}, procurement conditions: Japan Tide). The plan is to build two large patrol boats for use in PCG and to improve the capacity to promptly and appropriately carry out operations such as salvage and sea law enforcement offshore and in coastal areas of PCG. It is said that it will contribute to the improvement of maritime safety.

Japan has been providing multifaceted and continuous support for strengthening the maritime safety response capacity of the Philippines. In the "Philippines Coast Guard Maritime Safety Response Capacity Enhancement Plan (Limited amount: JPY 18,732 million)" signed in December 2013, it was decided to provide 10 patrol vessels (44 meters long) to PCG, August 2016 The delivery of the 10th ship was completed in August 2018. Also, under the "Economic and Social Development Plan", 13 15m high-speed rubber boats have been donated to PCG free of charge. In addition, from 2017 to 2018, five Maritime Self-Defense Force training aircraft "TC-90" were handed over (transferred) to the Philippine Navy.In addition, in order to improve navigation safety, coastal wireless communication development, lighthouse·Repair and expansion of buoys and provision of vessels for navigation facilities have been carried out.

Technical cooperation projects include the construction of educational systems for PCG staff and the enforcement of laws and We are working to develop and strengthen education and training programs related to operation. In Japan, various training programs for improving maritime crime response capabilities and response capabilities to marine accidents and oil spills have been provided to maritime security agencies in each country, including the Philippines, in cooperation with JICA and the Japan Coast Guard. It is being implemented continuously.

On 77 February 2020 Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., President and CEO Koji Okura led the signing of the contract for the supply and delivery of two (2) units of Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project, Phase II. In a simple but auspicious signing ceremony, Secretary Tugade emphasized that this development is a breakthrough towards the government's thrust of modernizing and upgrading the country's maritime protection and border patrol.

“The modernization of Philippine Coast Guard has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much. And to which I express my appreciation for your continued support,” the transportation chief said.

In his remarks, PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia noted that the signing ceremony is a landmark achievement, not just for the department and agency, but also for the whole country as the PCG will now have its first-ever biggest patrol ships. “We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard, but also for the Philippines – acquiring the first-ever biggest ship for the Coast Guard. It is a 94-meter multi-role response vessel. It is a big stride to the development of this country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” Admiral Garcia said.

President Koji Okura, on the other hand, expressed his desire to continuously work and cooperate with the government in delivering various projects, programs, and initiatives as he noted, “We look forward to work with you all, in this important project and we sincerely appreciate your continuous cooperation to make this project successful.”

On the part of the Japanese government, JICA Chief Representative Yoshio Wada underscored the significance of the partnership between Japan and the Philippines in boosting economic trade, most especially in the maritime sector. “Through the time, JICA partnering with PCG is a testament to the strong friendship between our two nations: Japan and the Philippines – both maritime nations where seaborne trade plays a crucial role in our economic growth.” Representative Yoshio Wada said.

According to Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, the MRRV has a length of 94 meters, a maximum speed of more than 24 knots and a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles. The MRRV was built based on the Japanese Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class (also known as Kunisaki-class) patrol vessels, so the two are very similar in appearance.

But, while the Kunigami-class is equipped with a water cannon and JM61-RFS 20mm Vulcan (Bushmaster II 30mm chain gun from the 13th ship in class), the MRRV is only equipped with three water cannons (one at the bow of the ship and one on each side above the bridge). However, the helicopter’s operational capability is enhanced over the Kunigami-class, with the addition of a helicopter hangar. The Japanese Coast Guard patrol vessel doesn’t have a hangar but can supply fuel and electric power to a helicopter on board.

The image of the MRRV show space between the water cannons on the bow of the ship and the bridge, and it may be possible that the ship will have weapons on board in the future. In fact, the Kunigami-class is equipped with the JM61-RFS (or Bushmaster II) in this space.

The 2nd Magbanua-class 97m Multi-Role Response Vessel was launched on 18 November 2021 at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's Shimonoseki yard. Scheduled delivery is by 2nd quarter 2022. Once commissioned, it would be named BRP Melchora Aquino (MMRV-9702).

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, held a launch ceremony 26 July 2021 for the first of two large multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) being built to order for the Department of Transportation in the Republic of the Philippines. The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The christening and handover of this first vessel is scheduled for May 2022 after cruising to Manilla in early March, following outfitting work and trial runs. The launch ceremony for the second vessel is scheduled for November 18, 2021, with christening and handover planned for September 2022 after cruising to Manilla in May 2022.

MRRVs play an important role in severe-weather rescue missions and patrolling in offshore and coastal zones. This vessel has an overall length of approximately 96.6 meters, with a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. It is equipped with secure communication systems for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, a helideck and hangar for helicopter operations, an underwater remotely operated vehicle for subsurface search and survey, high-speed rubber boats and other essential equipment for maritime domain awareness and maritime law enforcement operations. The ship will make a significant contribution to enhancing the speed of response to maritime accidents or crimes on the Philippines EEZ and high seas.

This project is being financed by the Japanese government under a yen loan agreement corresponding to Phase II of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project concluded between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan in October 2016. The project terms call for application of Japanese technology, notably expertise in shipbuilding. Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to build vessels for both domestic and overseas use that deliver exceptional fuel efficiency and environmental performance, contribute to the safety and security of society, and support international contributions, working with its customers for the advancement of society.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. ( Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki-kaisha, informally MHI) is a Japanese multinational engineering, electrical equipment and electronics corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. MHI is one of the core companies of the Mitsubishi Group and its automobile department is the predecessor of Mitsubishi Motors. MHI’s products include aerospace and automotive components, air conditioners, elevators, forklift trucks, hydraulic equipment, printing machines, missiles, tanks, power systems, ships, aircraft, railway systems, and space launch vehicles. Through its defense-related activities, it is the world’s 23rd-largest defense contractor measured by 2011 defense revenues and the largest based in Japan.