Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems has handed over the Miyako-class patrol vessel JCG Goto (PL-205) to the Japan Coast Guard during a ceremony held in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. The Goto is the fifth ship in the expanding Miyako-class lineup, reinforcing Japan’s focus on strengthening maritime law-enforcement capabilities. The delivery highlights continued progress in the country’s multi-year fleet modernization program.
Following its commissioning, the Goto will join the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters at the Nagasaki Coast Guard Office. There, the vessel will take on operational duties such as territorial surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, public order enforcement, and marine resource protection. This deployment ensures greater patrol coverage across important maritime routes and coastal regions.
The Goto’s arrival comes after Mitsubishi delivered three earlier vessels—Miyako (PL-201), Osumi (PL-202), and Amami (PL-204)—from its Tamano facility. The fourth ship in the class, Yaeyama (PL-203), was produced separately by Japan Marine United Corporation at its Isogo shipyard in Yokohama. Additionally, Mitsubishi has already launched the sixth and seventh vessels, Daito (PL-206) and Hiroshima (PL-207), which are scheduled for transfer to the coast guard between 2025 and 2026 after their full outfitting.
Tokyo plans to introduce a total of nine Miyako-class patrol vessels by 2028, according to government budget documents released in 2024. The class features a 117-meter hull, a displacement capacity of 3,500 tons, and two 40-millimeter guns for maritime security missions. Powered by four Yanmar 8EY33W engines providing 24,000 horsepower, the ships achieve speeds of more than 25 knots and are expected to exceed the operational range of the Shikishima-class, which sails up to 20,000 nautical miles.
