Tsai presides over launch of New Taima ferry from Keelung to Matsu

2023/04/18

President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the launch ceremony of New Taima, a ferry providing services between Taiwan’s main island and outlying Lienchiang County, April 16 in the northern port city of Keelung, according to the Presidential Office.
 
The ship’s maiden voyage marks an important milestone in strengthening transportation links between Taiwan and the Matsu archipelago, Tsai said, adding that the achievement can be attributed to the hard work of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Lienchiang County Government.
 
According to Tsai, the service is expected to increase the number of tourists traveling to Matsu to experience its military past and present and augment the local tourism sector. New Taima will also help boost interest in Keelung’s sightseeing activities and the country’s island-hopping trips, she added.
 
The government will continue to implement infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing convenience and quality of life for residents of the outlying county while promoting the archipelago’s attractions for visitors, Tsai said.
 
The New Taima’s NT$1.14 billion (US$37 million) procurement plan was approved by the Executive Yuan in 2019. The vessel can carry 642 passengers, 45 passenger vehicles and four 20-foot freezers, according to the MOTC.


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)