Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems has handed over the fifth Miyako-class large patrol vessel, JCG Goto (PL-205), to the Japan Coast Guard in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture.
Once commissioned, the Goto will join the 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters at the Nagasaki Coast Guard Office, where it will conduct missions such as territorial security, maritime rescue, law enforcement, and protection of marine resources.
The Goto is the latest in a series of four ships previously delivered from Mitsubishi’s Tamano shipyard: the lead vessel JCG Miyako (PL-201), JCG Osumi (PL-202), and JCG Amami (PL-204).
The fourth vessel, Yaeyama (PL-203), was produced separately by Japan Marine United Corporation at its Isogo facility in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi held naming and launching ceremonies for the class’s sixth and seventh vessels, JCG Daito (PL-206) and JCG Hiroshima (PL-207).
After receiving hull, engine, electrical, and weapons installations, these ships are expected to be transferred to the Japan Coast Guard in late 2025 and 2026.
Overall, Japan plans to commission as many as nine Miyako-class patrol vessels by 2028, according to a 2024 supplementary coast guard budget.
Japan’s Miyako Systems
The Miyako-class measures 117 meters (384 feet) in length and carries up to 3,500 tons (3,175,147 kilograms) of cargo.
Each vessel is equipped with two 40-millimeter machine guns and powered by four Yanmar 8EY33W diesel engines generating a combined 24,000 horsepower.
The class can reach speeds exceeding 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour).
While official specifications remain undisclosed, the Miyako-class is expected to achieve a greater operational range than the preceding Shikishima-class, which can travel around 20,000 nautical miles (37,040 kilometers/23,016 miles).
