Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has delivered JCG Hiroshima (PL-207), the seventh vessel of Japan’s Miyako-class large patrol ship fleet, to the Japan Coast Guard. The transfer took place at the company’s Tamano facility in Okayama and was witnessed by Deputy Director General Wataru Sasaki and shipyard officials. After entering service, Hiroshima will be assigned to the Hiroshima Coast Guard Office under the 6th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters. Its responsibilities will include territorial security, rescue and public-safety missions and protection of maritime resources. Japan initiated the 11-ship Miyako-class program in 2016 as part of its response to increased activity around the Senkaku Islands. The PL-207 is the sixth vessel of the class built by Mitsubishi. The patrol ship has a 117-metre hull and a 15-metre beam and can carry approximately 40–50 personnel along with a maritime helicopter. Its propulsion system uses four 6,000-hp Yanmar 8EY33W diesel engines, enabling speeds above 25 knots. The class is also designed to provide greater operational reach than the earlier Shikishima-class vessels, whose range is stated at 20,000 nautical miles. Armament includes two 40mm naval cannons, remotely operated water cannons and an intelligence-gathering system.
