The Project for the Construction of Training and Operation Center of Maritime Security and Safety to the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Ensuring Security in a Vast Sea Area

The maritime enforcement and related capabilities of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are fragile and insufficient for proper supervision of maritime areas and maritime safety assurance such as search and rescue. This makes the strengthening of maritime security capabilities an urgent issue. This project will contribute to the realization of the “Sustainable Oceans Based on the Rule of Law,” a priority area of cooperation at the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 9), and to “Commitment to Peace and Stability (Maritime Security),” a pillar of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative. It is expected to contribute to social and economic development and to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, by improving maritime security capabilities.

Working Closely with Marshallese Government Officials to Complete Construction

On April 6, 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to pray for safety and smooth execution of the construction work during the construction period. This project was concluded with an Exchange of Notes (E/N) between the governments of both countries amid the pandemic. The Marshalls is an island nation, and as such, it was subject to strict border control restrictions. Also, the groundbreaking was made difficult by the rapid depreciation of the yen, which caused bidding to be unsuccessful. As such, the groundbreaking day was a joyous occasion. JICS is providing project supervision to ensure that construction is completed within the planned 18-month time frame while coordinating in detail with the many parties involved.

Groundbreaking ceremony attended by officials of both countries

Project Overview

Support to Improve Maritime Security Capabilities

The Training and Operation Center of Maritime Security and Safety used by the Sea Patrol of the Republic of the Marshall Islands is a 40-year- old facility that has become outdated and lacks space. The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant aid to rebuild the facility and procure equipment (monitors, computers, etc.) to strengthen the headquarters functions.

Counterpart of Agent Agreement	Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
End-user	Sea Patrol under the Ministry of Justice, Immigration and Labor of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Grant amount	¥450million
Exchange of Notes (Bilateral Agreement)	March 19, 2020