Mitsubishi to Build Offshore Patrol Vessel for Indonesia
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has secured a contract with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) to construct an offshore patrol vessel (OPV). This significant project aims to enhance Indonesia’s maritime safety and security capabilities. The vessel will be built at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The delivery of the OPV is scheduled for March 2028.
Enhancing Maritime Security in Indonesia
The contract is part of a broader initiative stemming from a grant agreement established in March 2024 between the Government of Indonesia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This agreement focuses on improving Indonesia’s maritime safety and security infrastructure. The new OPV will enable BAKAMLA to conduct maritime rescues and enforce laws more effectively and efficiently.
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation, faces unique challenges in maritime security due to its vast waters and numerous islands. The addition of the OPV is expected to bolster the agency’s capabilities in patrolling and monitoring these waters. With the growing concerns over illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime threats, the timely delivery of this vessel will be crucial for enhancing Indonesia’s maritime law enforcement.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has expressed its commitment to building vessels that contribute to both domestic and international safety and security. The company aims to support maritime operations not only in Japan but also in various countries around the world. This contract with Indonesia marks a significant step in strengthening international maritime cooperation and ensuring safer seas.
