SHUNKO (PLH-41) class

 3 (+1) SHUNKO-class OFFSHORE PATROL SHIP (PSOH) 
Name          Pendant No.   Launched         Commissioned     Status
SHUNKO        PLH-42        March 20, 2019   Feb. 4, 2020     Active  
ASANAGI       PLH-43        June 30, 2022    July 6, 2023     Active  
YUMIHARI      PLH-44        Feb. 21, 2023    Nov. 30, 2023    Active  
KANBAI        PLH-45        Dec. 3, 2024     2026             Fitting Out

The SHUNKO class are Japanese coast guard large patrol ships used for long distance patrol and the protection of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and disputed territories. The Japanese designation for these ships is Patrol vessel, Large with Helicopter (PLH).

HULL: The SHUNKO class has a gross tonnage of 7,385 tons. These ships measure 459 ft 4 in (140.0 m) long with beams of 54 ft 2 in (16.5 m). A large helicopter landing platform and hangar are located aft. Four small boats can be deployed by crane on either side of the ship. The ships have two lattice masts: a large main mast located at the center of the ship and smaller, secondary mast positioned further aft.
The crew complement is 56.

ENGINEERING: Four IHI-SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.5 V400 diesel engines produce a total of 35,500 bhp (8,875 bhp each), driving two shafts. A controllable-pitch propeller is installed.
The ships can reach a top speed of 25.5 knots. Their maximum range is 20,000 nm (37,000 km).

ARMAMENT: The aft helicopter landing platform can accommodate two AS 332 or EC 225 helicopters. The primary weapon is a 40-mm Bofors 70 equipped to a raised forecastle. Two 20-mm JM61 (Vulcan) Gatling guns are equipped. At least one remote water cannon is also installed for non-lethal confrontations.

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS: The class is fitted with an OPS-14 2D air search radar and JMA 8303 surface search radar. An MS 1596 navigation radar is also installed.

Three in service, one fitting out.
In service with the Japanese coast guard (JCG).

As territorial disputes with neighbors including China became more severe in the 2010s, a greater emphasis was placed on the size and quality of the Japanese coast guard. Territorial concerns sparked interest in larger and more capable coast guard vessels. The SHUNKO class was developed to provide support for territorial claims and protection of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is the prime contractor for each unit of the class.

The lead ship, SHUNKO, was funded in 2016, with plans for delivery in December 2019. The vessel was laid down on Feb. 15, 2018, and launched on March 20, 2019. Following some issues during trials (See Issues and Notes section), she was commissioned on Feb. 4, 2020.

Japan's Fiscal 2019 supplementary budget proposal provided for the construction of two further SHUNKO-class patrol ships.

ASANAGI was launched on June 30, 2022, and commissioned on July 6, 2023.

YUMIHARI touched water on Feb. 21, 2023, and entered service on Nov. 30, 2023.

Japan's Fiscal 2022 budget funded a fourth ship of the class. KANBAI was launched on Dec. 3, 2024, and is planned to enter service in 2026.

Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan (MHI)

 CREW
   Total                   56

 DISPLACEMENT
   Gross Tonnage           7,385 tons

 DIMENSIONS
   Length                  459 ft 4 in (140.0 m)
   Beam                     54 ft 2 in ( 16.5 m)

 PROPULSION
   Main                    4 x IHI-SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.5 V400 diesel engines
      power                35,500 total bhp; 2 shafts; controllable-pitch propeller

 PERFORMANCE
   Speed                   25.5 knots
   Range                   20,000 nm (37,000 km)

 COMBAT SYSTEMS
   Helicopters             2 x AS 332 or EC 225
   Guns                    1 x 40-mm Bofors 70
                           2 x 20-mm JM61 (Vulcan) Gatling AA
   Radars                  1 x OPS-14 2D air search
                           1 x MS 1596 navigation
                           1 x JMA 8303 surface search

SHUNKO's delivery was delayed from an original date of Dec. 18, 2019, to Feb. 4, 2020, due to technical problems during trials. While undisclosed, the issue was believed to be a problem with the fin stabilizer.

Sometimes spelled SHUNKOU.