TIPC hosted the gala event “Splendorous Dragon: TIPC at 12” on March 1st at the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal to celebrate TIPC’s 12th anniversary. Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) Deputy Minister Kuo-shian Lin, Kaohsiung City Mayor Chi-mai Chen, Ocean Affairs Council Deputy Minister Wen-Ling Hung, Maritime and Port Bureau Director General Hsieh-Lung Yeh were among the nearly 200 attendees. The celebration was also used to platform the signing of two three important new contracts and the formal announcement of 2023 Golden Vessel Award winners. The contracts were signed between TIPC and Walsin Lihwa and the Intercontinental Wind Energy (IWE) Group related to Port of Kaohsiung new offshore wind power industry park and Argo Yachts Development related to Taipei Port’s tourism, recreation, and business district at Taipei Port.

In his welcoming remarks, MOTC Deputy Minister Lin praised TIPC for its continued progress forward. He further recommitted his ministry to supporting TIPC with ongoing key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a roadway link between Port of Kaohsiung and Freeway 7, dedicated container carrier lanes, East and West Wharf passenger facilities at Port of Keelung, and critical offshore wind power facility support infrastructures at Port of Taichung.

In his address to gala attendees, TIPC Chairman Hsien-yi Lee shared that TIPC revenues had reached an all-new high of NT$28.18 billion in 2023. He expressed TIPC’s gratitude for critical policy support and guidance given by the Executive Yuan, MOTC, and national legislators; assistance regularly provided by municipal authorities; and regular collaboration with CIQS agencies and shipping and port-related businesses. TIPC, he continued, is a key player in moving national energy transition policies forward. With regard retooling key ports to support offshore wind farm development and support needs, TIPC has made facilities available for wind farm components assembly transportation and delivery and is now focused on creating a platform for the local production and innovation of wind turbine components / assemblies.

At the event, Port of Kaohsiung President Chin-jung Wang signed leases, respectively, with Walsin Lihwa Vice President Chi-jung Lin for Wharf No. A6-A and 3.9ha of adjacent yard area in the Kaohsiung Intercontinental Container Terminal (KICT) and with IWE Group Chairman Shi-ming Liao for Wharf No. A6-B and 3.6ha of adjacent yard area in the KICT. Also, Port of Keelung President Chwan-kai Kao signed contract with Argo Yachts Development Chairman Yulin Hou formalizing the lease of 5.5ha and 2.17ha of land and water area, respectively, in Taipei Port’s tourism and recreation district.

As TIPC Chairman Lee’s  corporation stepped into its 12th year in business, he took the opportunity to thank Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen and his team for the city’s long-running partnership with Port of Kaohsiung on port-city urban planning; their assistance with facilitating construction and building-use permits; and their close cooperation on Asia New Bay 2.0, sustainable development, smart-port initiatives, and other projects. He further noted Port of Kaohsiung’s revitalized character and waterside recreation facilities had set the perfect stage for this year’s successful Yellow Duck activity program, opening a window for Kaohsiung residents and visitors alike to seeing a decade of port transformation / renewal efforts. The Yellow Duck program not only drew over nine million visitors to the port over its 30-day run but also greatly boosted the reputation and achievement of both Port of Kaohsiung and its new Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal.  

The annual Golden Vessel Award program is designed to recognize exceptional port businesses, cruise operators, and achievements in carbon-footprint reduction in categories including Container Operations, General Cargo Operations, Stevedoring, Shipping Agencies, Excellence of year, and Port Sustainability. Awards this year went to a total of 35 companies.

TIPC is committed to the continued improvement of its port infrastructures and services and to transformation along the dual axes of “digital technology” and “sustainability”. The new Green Port Incentive program launched by TIPC this year is designed to incentivize green vessels to call at Taiwan ports and promote the purchase of electric-powered loading / offloading equipment. TIPC’s comprehensive approach to creating a sustainable and green port ecosystem is creating an internationally competitive and resilient port group. We welcome all related business to join with us for long-term development and success.