Philippine Coast Guard takes delivery of 2nd FPB 72 MKII fast patrol boat

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received its second FPB 72 MKII fast patrol boat newbuilding.

The 24-meter boat arrived at the Subic Port, Zambales, on September 3, 2018.

Built by French shipbuilder Ocea, the patrol boat will be named BRP Panglao and will be commissioned together with BRP Boracay — the first boat in the class delivered earlier in 2018 — during the PCG anniversary celebration on October 17, 2018.

As explained, the patrol boat which runs up to 28 knots will boost the rapid deployment capability of the PCG in enforcing maritime regulations and responding to accidents at sea.

The third and fourth 24-meter fast patrol boats under a contract announced in January 2018 are scheduled to be delivered to the coast guard in November 2018.

Ocea launched recently the forth ship, Kalanggaman, in Les Sables-d’Olonne. After completing sea trials, the boat will be transported together with her sister ship, Malamawi, to the Philippines, the shipbuilder said.

A larger 82-meter offshore patrol vessel, being built under the same contract, is scheduled to be delivered in August 2019, according to PCG.