TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) announced on Tuesday (Nov. 12) plans to start oil extraction from the stranded Chinese barge Yu Zhou Qi Hang (鈺洲啟航) on Nov. 14. The vessel ran aground at Yehliu (野柳) on Oct. 31, carrying 290 tons of residual oil. Chen hopes to complete the extraction within two weeks to prevent further environmental damage.
The Maritime Port Bureau (航港局) has coordinated with the Orient Constructor (東方建設者), a vessel equipped with a dynamic positioning system, which has been on standby at the site for 5 to 6 days. Chen, accompanied by Maritime Port Bureau Director Yeh Hsieh-lung (葉協隆) and DPP Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu (王正旭), visited Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) to assess the situation.
Chen noted that weather conditions might improve by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, allowing equipment to be placed on the Yu Zhou Qi Hang. The assisting company has pledged to conduct 24-hour oil extraction, aiming to finish within the planned timeframe.
Yeh has arranged for smaller vessels to assist if adverse weather delays the operation. To proceed, they need only get within 3 to 5 meters of the barge. Chen underscored the importance of Yehliu Geopark as a national tourist asset and expressed the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) commitment to preventing further marine pollution. Once oil extraction concludes, plans to tow the vessel away or dismantle it on-site will depend on weather conditions.