Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has granted the Notice of Award to French firm OCEA for the purchase of 40 units of 35-meter patrol boats. In a move to bolster maritime security, this acquisition is part of the Bagong Pilipinas initiative, approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in November 2024, which aims to upgrade the capabilities of the PCG with fast patrol crafts (FPCs).

According to Philippines News Agency, during a recent meeting, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan engaged with Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin. The French minister extended an invitation to Philippine officials to visit the OCEA shipyard for the ceremonial first cutting of sheet metal. This event will mark the commencement of construction for the vessels ordered by the PCG.

Earlier statements by Admiral Gavan highlighted that this procurement is the largest single purchase in the modernization efforts of the PCG to date. Valued at PHP25.8 billion, the deal is supported by official development assistance from the French government. This financial backing underscores France’s commitment to aiding the PCG’s naval and air fleet modernization.

Negotiations are also underway for three additional sister ships to the BRP Gabriela Silang, which OCEA previously built and delivered in 2020. Furthermore, on April 11, PCG and OCEA signed two maintenance contracts, ensuring ongoing service for the vessels in the PCG’s fleet.