Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems has delivered the fifth Miyako-class large patrol vessel, the JCG Goto (PL-205), to the Japan Coast Guard in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture.
After commissioning, the Goto will join the Nagasaki Coast Guard Office of the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, where it will carry out missions including territorial water security, maritime rescue, public order maintenance, and marine resource protection.
The Goto follows the delivery of three ships of the series from Mitsubishi’s Tamano factory, the lead vessel JCG Miyako (PL-201), the JCG Osumi (PL-202), and the JCG Amami (PL-204).
The fourth craft, Yaeyama (PL-203), was built separately by Japan Marine United Corporation at its Isogo site in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi held a naming and launching ceremony for JCG Daito (PL‑206) and JCG Hiroshima (PL‑207), the sixth and seventh vessels of their class.
Following the outfitting of their hulls, engines, electrical systems, and weapons, the ships will be transferred to the military in late 2025 and 2026, respectively.
In total, Tokyo aims to commission up to nine Miyako patrol vessels through 2028, according to a coast guard supplementary budget released in 2024.
Japan’s Miyako Systems
The Miyako-class platforms measure 117 meters (384 feet) each and have a standard cargo capacity of 3,500 tons (3,175,147 kilograms).
Each is armed with two 40-millimeter machine guns and runs with four Yanmar 8EY33W diesel engines for a total output of 24,000 horsepower.
A Miyako-class ship can sail at over 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
Although official figures have not been disclosed, the vessel is expected to surpass the range of its predecessor, the Shikishima-class fleet, which can cover approximately 20,000 nautical miles (37,040 kilometers/23,016 miles).
