The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has signed a maintenance contract with French shipbuilding company OCEA to strengthen and maintain the operational readiness and sustainability of the PCG’s fleet of French-built patrol vessels.
Under the agreement, OCEA will provide technical support, regular maintenance services, and a steady supply of essential spare parts for the PCG’s OCEA-built vessel, the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).
The maintenance contract aims to ensure the long-term performance, efficiency, and seaworthiness of the said vessel, which plays a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
Specifically, the company will provide services and parts for one year of integrated logistics support for the BRP Gabriela Silang for a cost of 130 million pesos, or a different amount if later determined. Additionally, they will provide services and parts for an extra three months of integrated logistics support for four twenty-four-meter Fast Patrol Boats, at a cost of 50 million pesos, or a revised amount if necessary, the coast guard stated.
On December 14, 2022, OCEA pledged a 1.5 billion shipyard in the Philippines that will possibly offer 500 to 600 direct and indirect jobs in the country as it aims to build 15- to 120-meter boats intended for maritime safety and security, transportation and fisheries.
OCEA initially made the investment pledge for a shipyard project in the Philippines during the 9th Philippine-France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting held in July 2021.
The PCG expressed its appreciation to OCEA for the enduring partnership and reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing maritime capabilities through reliable international collaborations.