Philippine Coast Guard welcomes two new fast patrol boats

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received two more Boracay-class fast patrol boats (FPB) newbuilds built in France.

The FPB 72 MKII boats arrived at Subic Port on December 6, 2018, the coast guard said.

The two units will be commissioned in the PCG service as BRP Malamawi (FPB 2403) and BRP Kalanggaman (FPB 2404).

Featuring a length of 24 meters, the boats can accommodate 12 crew members and reach a speed of 28 knots.

The first two boats, Boracay and Panglao, were commissioned into service in October this year.

The patrol boats were built under the contract signed with French shipbuilder Ocea in order for PCG to strengthen the enforcement in maritime safety and security and marine environmental protection.

Ocea is building another vessel for PCG, an 82-meter offshore patrol vessel. It is scheduled for delivery in August 2019.