Philippine Navy's first oil tanker sets sail

The Philippine Navy on Saturday commissioned its first-ever oil tanker, boosting the military command's capability in the conduct of maritime patrol.BRP Caliraya, or AF-81, courtesy of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), was commissioned in rites led by Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan and Navy-Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Leopoldo Alano at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Fort San Felipe in Cavite City.

According to Millan, BRP Caliraya will help improve the operational range of Navy ships patrolling the country's 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ)."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 EEZ," said Millan."The commissioning of any vessel carries with it a great sense of achievement and spawns a deep pride... 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," Alano added.

Lt. Liezl Vidallon, the fleet’s public affairs officer, said patrolling ships will no longer have to travel father inland just to refuel."It will boost our refuelling capability… 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."

"Her inclusion in inventory will greatly enhance the replenishment capability of the Navy," added Vidallon.The ship is one of the three motor tankers donated by the PNOC to the Navy last March. Vidallon said the two others are still being "processed" by the Navy and they will be commissioned "hopefully soon."

Formerly known known as MT Lapu-Lapu, it was used by the PNOC in transporting bunker fuel to different ports in the country. It was built in China in November 2007 and brought to Philippines on January 2008.The Navy subjected the ship to dry-docking, structural habitability, machinery and piping repairs before its commissioning.