Korea Coast Guard's decommissioned KCG3001 vessel that will be transferred to the Ecuadorian Navy / Courtesy of Korea Coast Guard

The Korea Coast Guard's (KCG) first 3,000-ton vessel, which was deployed in 1994, will be transferred to Ecuador after completing 30-years of service in Korea.

The KCG signed a memorandum of understanding with the visiting Ecuadorian Defense Minister Giancarlo Loffredo on Thursday for the transfer of the decommissioned KCG3001 vessel at its headquarters in Incheon.

The Ecuadorian minister then visited the vessel that is at anchor in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, and reviewed the handover process.

The ship was the first 3,000-ton class vessel ever in the KCG's history and also the largest ship of the fleet at the time of its deployment, measuring 105 meters in length, 15 meters in width and 38 meters in depth. It was decommissioned on March 11.

It also masks the largest decommissioned ship transferred by the Korean government to overseas countries.

KCG3001 will undergo repair work for six months at a Korean shipyard before setting sail for Ecuador after the ship's crew receives operational training.

The vessel will carry out various missions that include safeguarding maritime sovereignty and law enforcement, including cracking down on drug trafficking and illegal fishing in the South American country's surrounding waters.

"We hope that it will serve as the guardian of the Ecuadorian Navy, ensuring not only the country's maritime security and safety but also protecting the marine environment in the waters near the Galapagos, a World Natural Heritage Site," KCG Commissioner-General Kim Jong-uk said.

Loffredo also said KCG3001 will make a significant contribution to the defense, security and safety of his country.

"With an average of about 60 Korean-flagged vessels transiting our waters annually, we expect the ship will also enable rapid response in the event of an unexpected situation for Korean-flagged vessels," he added.

The relationship between the two organizations dates back to Nov. 13, 2020, when the KCG transferred two 300-ton patrol vessels to the Ecuadorian defense ministry.

The KCG noted that the continued transfer of vessels will contribute to enhancing bilateral relations and enhancing maritime security.