- Japan plans to build the world’s largest coast guard cutter, a 30,000-ton vessel.
- The fiscal 2025 budget request includes 3.43 billion yen for the project’s initial costs.
- The vessel will enhance surveillance near the Senkaku Islands and aid in disaster response.
The Japan Coast Guard is making significant strides to enhance its maritime capabilities, with plans to construct the world’s largest cutter. This new vessel will surpass even the largest ship currently in operation by the China Coast Guard, reports SAFETY4SEA.
World’s Largest Cutter Planned
Japan plans to build a 30,000-ton vessel, set to become the world’s largest coast guard ship. This cutter will measure 200 meters in length, making it far larger than the China Coast Guard’s CCG 5901, which currently holds the title of the largest.
To begin this ambitious project, the Japan Coast Guard has requested 3.43 billion yen (approximately $23.7 million) in the fiscal 2025 budget. This request is part of a broader budget increase, bringing the total funds sought to 293.5 billion yen—a 12 percent rise from the previous year.
Enhanced Surveillance and Disaster Response
The new vessel, expected to be operational by fiscal 2029, will play a crucial role in surveillance, especially near the Senkaku Islands, a region of territorial dispute with China.
Additionally, it will be equipped to deploy police officers, firefighters, and Self-Defense Forces personnel during natural disasters and will have the capacity to accommodate around 1,000 people.
The fiscal 2025 budget also includes 4.16 billion yen for acquiring two large unmanned SeaGuardian aircraft and 40 million yen for international efforts to combat drug-related crimes.
Japan’s Coast Guard is preparing to significantly bolster its maritime presence and disaster response capabilities with the construction of this massive new cutter, which will be a pivotal asset in ensuring the nation’s security and response readiness.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
