MANILA, Philippines — Two more fast patrol boats from France are expected to arrive in December to boost the Philippines’ maritime capabilities.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey on Monday attended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s ceremonial commissioning of the 24-meter long BRP Boracay and BRP Panglao, two of the four fast patrol boats manufactured by French shipbuilder OCEA.
“France has much to offer the Philippines in terms of maritime, military and defense equipment, as well as expertise in these fields. We stand ready to present our proposals according to the priorities of the Philippine government,” Galey said in his speech.
“We welcome the conclusion of this agreement between the Philippine government and OCEA, which is one of the global leaders in the shipbuilding industry, to acquire these vessels with the aim of developing the maritime capabilities of the PCG and protecting the country’s borders,” Galey added.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III was guest of honor and speaker.
In 2014, a contract worth 97 million euros or P5.82 billion was signed between France’s OCEA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the acquisition of four fast patrol boats and an 82-meter offshore patrol vessel.
These ships would be operated by the PCG and Bureau of Customs to intensify anti-smuggling sea operations and border protection missions.
The PCG said the offshore patrol boat is scheduled to arrive in the country by August next year.
Under the contract, the OCEA would provide the training of the crew, a five-year period maintenance of the vessels and the provision of spare parts.
The agreement was financed through an export-credit loan structured by the French banks BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole, with a guarantee from the French state. – With Pia Lee-Brago