Official Inauguration of the New Building of Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), funded by the Government of Japan
2026/7/27
Embassy of Japan in Maldives
Press Release
Official Inauguration of the New Building of Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC),
funded by the Government of Japan
Official Inauguration of the New Building of Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC),
funded by the Government of Japan
Malé, July 27, 2026 – The Government of Japan officially handed over the newly constructed Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), established under the Project for Strengthening the Capacities of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, funded through a USD 3.7 million grant from the Government and the people of Japan to the Government of the Maldives. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, and his Cabinet ministers, and attended by Her Excellency Mrs. ISHIGAMI Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Maldives, The Hon Tim Watts MP, Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs from the Government of Australia, and representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project was implemented by UNODC in partnership with the Government of Australia.
The project was formalized through the Exchange of Notes signed in February 2021 between the Government of Japan and the UNODC. It consists of two major components: the construction of the new MRCC building, including training facilities, and the delivery of specialized training programmes in maritime search and rescue and maritime law enforcement for officers of the Maldives Coast Guard and other maritime agencies.
The newly constructed four-storey MRCC facility serves as both an operational coordination centre and a national maritime training hub. The ground floor houses the MRCC operations room, offices and conference facilities. The first floor contains an auditorium, classrooms and a chart room for training. The second and third floors provide accommodation and support facilities for trainees and instructors, while the rooftop terrace includes study areas, a library and additional training space. Together with the specialized training programmes, the facility will significantly strengthen the operational readiness and coordination capacity of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.
The project was formalized through the Exchange of Notes signed in February 2021 between the Government of Japan and the UNODC. It consists of two major components: the construction of the new MRCC building, including training facilities, and the delivery of specialized training programmes in maritime search and rescue and maritime law enforcement for officers of the Maldives Coast Guard and other maritime agencies.
The newly constructed four-storey MRCC facility serves as both an operational coordination centre and a national maritime training hub. The ground floor houses the MRCC operations room, offices and conference facilities. The first floor contains an auditorium, classrooms and a chart room for training. The second and third floors provide accommodation and support facilities for trainees and instructors, while the rooftop terrace includes study areas, a library and additional training space. Together with the specialized training programmes, the facility will significantly strengthen the operational readiness and coordination capacity of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Mrs. ISHIGAMI noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the resident Embassy of Japan in Malé, as well as the 10th anniversary of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's launch of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). She noted that FOIP is a vision for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific by upholding the rule of law, promoting freedom of navigation, and strengthening maritime cooperation. She emphasized that FOIP has become more relevant than ever as the Indo-Pacific faces growing challenges to the rules-based international order. She noted that the new MRCC will strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean and contribute to the realization of FOIP.
Ambassador ISHIGAMI also noted that the MRCC project builds upon Japan's long-standing cooperation with the Maldives in strengthening maritime safety and security. In December 2024, the Embassy of Japan provided maritime rescue communication equipment and diving equipment and tools to strengthen maritime humanitarian operations for MRCC, worth USD 7.6 million. Other recent initiatives include: the sea ambulance for the MNDF, the customs patrol vessel for the Maldives Customs Service, and CCTV harbour surveillance systems for the Maldives Police Service on outer seven islands.
As Japan and the Maldives approach the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, this project stands as another symbol of the enduring friendship and partnership between the two countries.
Ambassador ISHIGAMI also noted that the MRCC project builds upon Japan's long-standing cooperation with the Maldives in strengthening maritime safety and security. In December 2024, the Embassy of Japan provided maritime rescue communication equipment and diving equipment and tools to strengthen maritime humanitarian operations for MRCC, worth USD 7.6 million. Other recent initiatives include: the sea ambulance for the MNDF, the customs patrol vessel for the Maldives Customs Service, and CCTV harbour surveillance systems for the Maldives Police Service on outer seven islands.
As Japan and the Maldives approach the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, this project stands as another symbol of the enduring friendship and partnership between the two countries.
Photo credit: President's Office
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