Asia/Pacific News
Philippine Navy Commissions Its First Bunker Tanker
The Philippine Navy Saturday commissioned its first ever bunker tanker, BRP Lake Caliraya, local media reports.
The Navy said it was a "single product replenishing platform" with depot-to-ship, ship-to-depot, and ship-to-ship refueling capabilities that "will greatly enhance the replenishment capability of the Navy."
"Usually, our ships go to the ports to refuel. Now, our tanker will be the one to go to the ships for refuelling. Our ships need not to return to pier to refuel," said Lieutenant Liezl Vidallon.
Formerly known as MT Lapu-Lapu and operated by Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), the 2007 build Chinese tanker was donated by PNOC to the Philippine Navy.
"With the commissioning of this oil tanker, the Navy has now a credible POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants) delivery platform that shall extend the operational range and scope of our ships especially those operating in the high seas and the [exclusive economic zone] EEZ," Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan was quoted as saying.
Navy-Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Leopoldo Alano added: "It is indicative of our collective resolve to provide this country a strong and credible fleet to play an integral part in the protection of our maritime waters,"
It is understood that PNOC is also planning to donate two more tankers to the Navy.
