(TAP) - Tunisia will receive by the end of 2023, two surveillance vessels funded by a grant from Japan of 28 million dinars, equivalent to 1.209 million yen, said Saturday, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Currently under construction, this project is part of Tunisia's efforts in the blue economy sector, including strengthening the fight against illegal fishing to stem its damage, as well as supporting sustainable fishing practices.

This project will contribute to the achievement of Goal 14 "Management of aquatic life" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The funding will be used to construct/acquire two 27 m long, 100 t surveillance vessels (approximate values).

These vessels will provide surveillance operations on the Tunisian coast in response to national and international requirements. The construction in Japan will be completed this summer.

On January 19, the ceremony of laying the keel of the ship took place in the city of Kuré, Hiroshima prefecture in Japan, where the headquarters of the Japanese shipbuilding company is located.