The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formally signed a maintenance contract with the French shipbuilding company OCEA at Ambassadors Residence, North Forbes Park, Makati City, yesterday, 11 April 2025.
Philippine Coast Guard press release
The Commandant of the PCG, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, and the OCEA representative, Monsieur Jacques Briand led the contract signing ceremony which strengthens the operational readiness and sustainability of the PCG’s fleet of French-built patrol vessels.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the PCG’s continued commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. 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).
In consideration of the sum of One Hundred Thirty Million Pesos (Php 130,000,000.00)—or such other amounts as may be subsequently determined, OCEA S.A. Philippines Branch agrees to the supply and delivery of services and parts for a one-year Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) intended for BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301).
Additionally, for the amount of Fifty Million Pesos (PhP50,000,000.00), or such other sums as may be ascertained, OCEA S.A. Philippines Branch agrees to the supply and delivery of services and parts for an additional three-month Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) intended for the four (4) 24-meter Fast Patrol Boats, in accordance with its request for quotation.
On 14 December 2022, the 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 commitment was formalized through a letter of intent sent to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regarding the creation of OCEA Shipbuilding Philippines Inc.
The maintenance contract aims to ensure the long-term performance, efficiency, and seaworthiness of the said vessel, which play a crucial role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
The PCG expressed its appreciation to OCEA for the enduring partnership and reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing maritime capabilities through reliable international collaborations.
Said event was also graced by French Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin and the Department of Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, who served as honored witnesses to the historic partnership.
-End-
Naval News comments:
The Philippine Coast Guard current operates five OCEA-built vessels:
- Four 24 meters Boracay-class patrol boat, delivered in 2018 and 2019
- The 83.6 meters Gabriela Silang offshore patrol vessel, delivered in December 2019. It is the largest aluminum OPV in the world.
Located in Western France, OCEA specializes in the design, construction and support of aluminum vessels for patrol, maritime safety and security, passenger and fret.
As mentioned in the press release, France is set to provide 40 patrol vessels and logistical support to the Philippine Coast Guard. Naval News understands these vessels would be produced localy by OCEA at a new, purpose-built shipyard located in Subic Bay.
