The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to acquire 40 units of 35-meter Fast Patrol Craft (FPC) after the successful contract signing between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and French shipbuilding company, OCEA, yesterday, 22 May 2025.

These assets will be utilized to advance President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s directive to the PCG to expand its operations amid complex maritime challenges, such as the growing maritime traffic, rising incidents of illegal activities at sea, and tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The contract signing ceremony was graced by French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel; DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon; PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG; and OCEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roland Joassard.

As part of the PCG Modernization Program, the agreement formalized the acquisition of 40 high-speed multi-role vessels, which are expected to enhance the PCG’s maritime presence and rapid response capabilities nationwide.

It is supported through a government-to-government financing agreement under the Agreement on Financial and Development Cooperation (AFDC) between the Philippines and France.

Under the contract, the PCG shall utilize the 40 units of FPC to strengthen its patrol capabilities across Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enabling broader coverage and improved mobility for simultaneous nationwide deployment.

These floating assets shall also allow the PCG to facilitate faster and more effective responses to maritime threats, such as illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, and maritime terrorism, while enhancing interoperability with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and international partners.

Moreover, the FPC shall serve as rapid deployment platforms for rescue, relief, and emergency operations during natural disasters and maritime incidents, improving overall response time and operational efficiency.

According to Admiral Gavan, these high-speed vessels promote self-reliance in naval shipbuilding as 20 of the 40 units of FPC will be constructed locally. This initiative will support the domestic maritime industry, create jobs, and facilitate technology transfer.

“Acquiring these assets will modernize the PCG Fleet, capacitating us to deploy mission-capable and high-speed vessels to further enhance maritime domain awareness and expand Coast Guard presence,” the Coast Guard Commandant furthered.

The said project is also supported by a nine-year Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) plan to ensure sustained operational readiness and long-term asset maintenance.