Japan to Construct the World’s Largest Coast Guard Cutter Overtaking China’s CCG 5901
Japan Coast Guard Plans Largest-Ever Multipurpose Patrol Vessel
The Japan Coast Guard has announced plans to construct its largest-ever multipurpose patrol vessel, set to begin in 2025. This massive vessel, measuring 200 meters in length, will be equivalent to two soccer fields and is expected to significantly enhance Japan’s maritime capabilities in responding to emergencies and disasters. The construction of this 30,000-tonne ship, which will surpass China’s CCG 5901 in size, is estimated to cost approximately 68 billion yen (471 million USD), with 3.43 billion yen already included in the budget request for the upcoming fiscal year.
The new vessel will play a crucial role in safeguarding Japanese citizens, particularly in the event of a Nankai Trough megaquake or military contingencies, such as those involving Taiwan. Designed to serve as a maritime base, it will also be instrumental in preventing illegal fishing operations by foreign vessels. The ship’s impressive capacity allows it to accommodate up to 1,000 people, three helicopters, and several rubber dinghies, ensuring it can effectively manage a wide range of emergency scenarios.
Scheduled for commissioning in 2029, the vessel’s deployment location remains undecided. However, the Japan Coast Guard has clarified that it will not be used in the territorial waters surrounding the disputed Senkaku Islands, nor will it be equipped with autocannons. This strategic move reflects Japan’s commitment to maintaining maritime security while prioritizing the vessel’s role in humanitarian and disaster response efforts.
