TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) underscored Taiwan's commitment to maritime sovereignty during a blessing ceremony for a new Coast Guard high-latitude offshore patrol vessel in the southern port city of Kaohsiung (高雄) on Friday (March 28). Standing before the sleek, newly constructed vessel, Lai outlined the government's ambitious plan to build six such specialized ships between 2022 and 2032, marking a significant advancement in the island's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
The president highlighted the substantial investment of NT$12.9 billion (approximately US$391 million) made four years ago to fund the Ocean Affairs Council's (OAC, 海委會) offshore patrol vessel program. With evident pride, Lai expressed optimism about reaching a critical milestone next year with the delivery of the first completed vessel, which will significantly enhance Taiwan's capacity to patrol distant waters. These domestic shipbuilding initiatives represent a cornerstone of Taiwan's strategy to achieve greater defense autonomy while bolstering the capabilities of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA, 海巡署).
Engineering innovations define the new patrol vessel, which boasts an advanced hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system that dramatically extends its operational range — enough to circumnavigate Taiwan 30 times on a single voyage. The vessel's adaptable aft deck platform provides mission flexibility, particularly enhancing fisheries enforcement and humanitarian rescue operations in contested waters. During his address, Lai expressed gratitude to the skilled workforce at CSBC Corporation (台船公司), praising their world-class craftsmanship that ensures both vessel safety and the realization of Taiwan's indigenous shipbuilding ambitions.
In a broader context of regional tensions, Lai acknowledged the courage of OAC Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) and frontline Coast Guard personnel who regularly confront Chinese gray-zone tactics in disputed waters surrounding Taiwan. The president also noted significant progress in Taiwan's indigenous submarine program, revealing that the Hai Kun (海鯤號) submarine is scheduled to complete crucial sea trials in April before its official commissioning ceremony in November—representing another milestone in Taiwan's maritime defense capabilities.