In preparation for the commencement of Intercontinental Container Terminal (ICT) Phase II operations and to further improve port harbor water cleaning / clean-up capabilities, Port of Kaohsiung, TTIPC budgeted over NT$30 million for the purchase of a new, state-of-the-art multifunctional cleaning boat. The vessel, Kao 907, is scheduled for delivery this month (July 2023) and will be put into service after the completion of all acceptance check procedures to improve the quality and cleanliness of Port of Kaohsiung harbor waters for city residents, visitors, and port businesses.

Kao 907, according to a Port of Kaohsiung statement, is a new-type multifunctional cleaning boat capable of operating in relatively rough water conditions. Apart from its suitability to cleanup duties in and around the new ICT and in areas of the port regularly subject to higher wake and wave turbulence, Kao 907 is equipped to automatically catch, sieve and store floating garbage; automatically separate oil waste and water for reuse; and support specialized cleanup needs with high-power water jet streams, aeration diffusion, and oil containment booms. The new vessel will increase the effectiveness of current port water sanitization and garbage cleanup efforts, improve the harbor water environment, and upgrade related maintenance and management work.

Port of Kaohsiung’s decision to purchase a new cleanup vessel was also informed by the need to ensure the safety of those who would be working on the boat as well as the need to securely store collected wastes to avoid any possibility of port water re-contamination. Kao 907 is well suited to respond rapidly to oil-spill accidents, with onboard facilities able to effectively fence in, suction, spray down, and remove surface oil. In addition, the boat’s many automated functions not only reduce the amount of manpower required for cleanup tasks but limit the exposure of crew to potentially hazardous / toxic environmental conditions.

Importantly, Kao 907 is only the latest symbol of Port of Kaohsiung’s commitment to giving the residents of Kaohsiung City access to quality water leisure and recreation environments. The port is eager to expand this platform for cooperation with city residents and government agencies to create a clean, green port city as well as an engine for long-term prosperity that benefits all stakeholders.