Hiroshima Patrol Vessel

History

Hiroshima is a 3,500-ton-class large patrol vessel built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems for the Japan Coast Guard. The ship was delivered at the company's Tamano shipyard in Okayama Prefecture on September 17, 2026.

Hiroshima is the sixth patrol vessel of its type built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems. The series supports Japan Coast Guard missions including territorial-waters security, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.

After commissioning, Hiroshima is scheduled to serve under the Sixth Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and be assigned to the Hiroshima Coast Guard Office.

Development and construction

The 3,500-ton-class series followed the lead vessel Miyako, which was delivered to the Japan Coast Guard on February 20, 2020. Eleven patrol vessels were ordered under the program.

Hiroshima was ordered in Japan's 2022 fiscal year. A naming and launching ceremony was held at the Tamano shipyard on September 11. Following launch, work continued on the hull, machinery, electrical equipment, and onboard systems before delivery in 2026.

Delivery

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems formally handed Hiroshima over to the Japan Coast Guard on September 17, 2026. The vessel was the sixth ship of its 3,500-ton type completed by the company.

Design

Hiroshima is a large Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel with an overall length of approximately 120 m, a beam of approximately 14 m, and a gross tonnage of approximately 3,500 tons. Its size allows it to support sustained maritime patrol, security, rescue, law-enforcement, and environmental-protection missions.

Powerplant and performance

The vessel is powered by four Yanmar 8EY33W diesel engines with a combined output of approximately 17,900 kW, equivalent to 24,000 hp. This propulsion arrangement gives the ship a speed of more than 25 knots.

Armament

Based on the configuration of preceding vessels of the same type, Hiroshima was expected to receive two single-barrel 40 mm guns. The available information does not confirm their final installed configuration at delivery.

Program status

Hiroshima was delivered to the Japan Coast Guard in September 2026. After commissioning, the vessel is scheduled for assignment to the Hiroshima Coast Guard Office under the Sixth Regional Coast Guard Headquarters. Its planned duties include patrol of territorial waters, maritime-border security, search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, crime prevention at sea, and marine environmental protection.

Specifications (Hiroshima)

General characteristics

• Type: Large patrol vessel
• Operator: Japan Coast Guard
• Builder: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems
• Gross tonnage: approximately 3,500 tons
• Length: approximately 120 m
• Beam: approximately 14 m
• Powerplant: four Yanmar 8EY33W diesel engines
• Total power: approximately 17,900 kW (24,000 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: more than 25 knots

Armament

• Planned or expected armament: two single-barrel 40 mm guns, based on preceding vessels of the same type

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