Japan has announced plans to build a Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessel (MPPV), which will be the largest ship for the country’s Coast Guard. ¥3.43 billion (approximately $24.3 million) has been allocated for this project, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. informs edition of Naval News.
The main function of the MPPV will be participation in operations to eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis. The ship will perform the role of a mobile base, providing assistance, cargo transportation, evacuation of victims, and can also serve as a temporary hospital.
In addition to humanitarian missions, the ship will be used as a security base during major international events such as G7 summits, the Olympic Games or the World Expo. The MPPV will also be of strategic importance in cases of civilian evacuation during military conflicts, particularly in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan or the southwestern islands of Japan.
The Japanese Coast Guard will focus on evacuation operations, while the Self-Defense Forces will be busy with military tasks. However, despite its status as a patrol vessel, the MPPV will not be armed, but will look like a large transport ship or ferry.
The vessel will have impressive specifications, measuring 199 meters in length and displacing 30,000 tons, making it the largest ship ever used by the Japanese Coast Guard. The MPPV will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 people, transport a significant amount of machinery and equipment, and provide the take-off and landing of two helicopters at the same time. The hangar will accommodate three more helicopters.
Construction is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2029, but the specific location of the vessel’s deployment has not yet been determined.
