On February 6, 2025, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) announced the successful execution of a counter-piracy training exercise conducted the day prior off the coast of Cape Muroto, Shikoku. This operation involved the JCG’s patrol vessel, Settsu, and the commercial bulk carrier, Corona Queen, operated by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. The drill was a follow-up to a significant 50-day deployment of the Settsu to Southeast Asia, which included cooperative counter-piracy drills with Indonesia.
The exercise was designed to test Japan’s maritime security capabilities and enhance information sharing among various institutions. It included collaboration with the JCG, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre based in Singapore, and private shipping companies. During the drill, a suspicious vessel approached the Corona Queen, prompting the JCG to relay information swiftly to the Settsu and other relevant organizations. This real-time communication exemplified the importance of public-private partnerships in counter-piracy operations.
The exercises held by the JCG, including previous drills with the Indonesian Coast Guard, aim to reinforce a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. A notable training event occurred on January 24 in Jakarta Bay, where the Settsu worked alongside the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA). This exercise tested responses to simulated piracy scenarios and showcased their coordinated efforts in maritime crime prevention.
Additionally, Japan is actively enhancing its shipbuilding partnerships in the region. For example, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. signed a contract to construct a new offshore patrol vessel for BAKAMLA, expected to be completed by March 2028. This contract symbolizes Japan’s commitment to bolster maritime security capabilities in Southeast Asia and reflects broader cooperation with ASEAN nations.
Japan’s maritime law enforcement efforts extend beyond bilateral arrangements, as shown by trilateral exercises with the Philippines and Indonesia aimed at fostering interoperability among their coast guards. These initiatives also support Japan’s shipbuilding industry and contribute to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific.
In summary, the JCG’s recent counter-piracy training reflects a comprehensive approach integrating domestic capabilities with international partnerships. These activities not only enhance maritime security and operational readiness but also bolster Japan’s strategic position within the Indo-Pacific region’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
