US Research Ship RV Melville Donated to the Philippines to Study Benham Rise

One of the two United States Navy Ship which will be donated to the Philippines as promised by President Barack Obama during his APEC visit to the country, the US Research Ship RV Melville will be used to study the rich region east of Luzon, the Benham Rise

RV Melville

Benham Rise is the potentially rich submerged regions in the eastern side of Luzon, the continental shelf was declared by UNCLOS as part of the country’s territory during a decision made last 2012.

According to Philippine Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo, the research vessel from the United States will most likely be utilized to further explore Benham Rise, a new potentially oil-rich undersea region east of Luzon.

“The research vessel will not only provide us capability for hydrographic survey, it will also become a platform for interagency collaboration for partners in the academe and thus improve awareness of our sub-surface environment and study of the Benham Rise,” Arevalo said.

Aside from the research ship RV Melville the White House also revealed that the Philippines will soon receive high-endurance coast guard cutter USCGC Boutwell, formerly the sister ship of Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar. The former US Coast Guard Cutter will be the third Hamilton-class cutter sent to the Philippines by the US Navy.

USCGC Boutwell and Research Ship RV Melville will be transferred to the Philippine Navy as excess defense articles aimed “to rapidly enhance capability within limited budgets.” The Philippines is still considered as the largest recipient of maritime security assistance from the US, receiving a record $79 million, or about P3.73 billion.

USCGC Boutwell

Leave a Comment