Taiwan shipbuilding stars at 1st Kaohsiung maritime expo

2016/09/20

The inaugural Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defense Industry Exposition kicks off Sept. 15, providing a world-class platform for showcasing the leading-edge capabilities of Taiwan’s shipbuilding industry and promoting the development of indigenous warship and submarine manufacturing.

Staged at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in the southern Taiwan port city, the four-day event brings together representatives from more than 150 companies, government agencies and research institutions based in Taiwan and countries such as Canada, Finland, Italy, Singapore, the U.K. and U.S.

Han Bi-siang, president of expo organizer Taiwan Shipbuilding Industry Association, said the event signals Taiwan’s intention to dedicate greater efforts and resources to developing homegrown naval production capabilities. “The local shipbuilding industry can play a key role in helping fulfill the government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in national defense.”

According to Han, who doubles as chairman of Kaohsiung-headquartered Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.—a leading maker of naval vessels, fishing boats and yachts—the event’s main themes of communications and green energy, marine engineering, naval combat systems and ship machinery are among the hottest issues in the sector today. It is expected participants will pursue related opportunities during scheduled B2B matchmaking sessions, seminars and technology exchange forums, he said.

One of the expo’s major exhibitors is Kaohsiung-based CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, which established the Submarine Development Center in the southern Taiwan port city last month. The country’s top shipbuilder has produced 116 vessels for the Republic of China (Taiwan) navy between 1975 and 2015, including frigates, missile and patrol boats, as well as transports.

Another exhibitor of note is Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Headquartered in Taipei City but with its five yards in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County, the company produced the nation’s first stealth corvette for the ROC navy in 2015.

The shipbuilding industry plays an important role in promoting Taiwan’s fishing, maritime and national defense sectors, as well as boosting related development in the steel and machinery industries. Kaohsiung is the nation’s main shipbuilding center and has produced a bevy of cutting-edge vessels in recent years.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=247976&ctNode=2194&mp=9)