TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A long-anticipated maritime link between Taiwan and Japan's southwestern islands will become reality this fall, opening new possibilities for regional tourism and commerce. Wagon Shipping Corp. (華岡集團), a Taiwanese maritime transportation company, confirmed Tuesday (June 3) that ferry service connecting Keelung, Taiwan's northernmost major port, with Ishigaki, a popular Japanese island destination, will commence operations in September. The route will utilize the YAIMA MARU (YAIMA丸號), a roll-on/roll-off vessel designed for both passenger and cargo transport with capacity for 545 travelers and 70 vehicles, with ticket sales expected to begin approximately one month from now.
The cross-national maritime venture represents a partnership between Japanese and Taiwanese shipping enterprises, with plans to operate three weekly sailings beginning in mid-September. Wagon General Manager Hung Yu-hang (洪郁航) told reporters that the company intends to file formal route applications with Taiwan's Maritime and Port Bureau (航港局), the national maritime regulatory agency, within the next two weeks. This filing will precede final pricing negotiations with Japanese authorities. Hung addressed speculation about ticket costs, dismissing rumors of NT$2,000 (approximately US$67) one-way fares as unrealistic, though he suggested special promotional rates might approach that level, with standard economy fares likely starting around NT$3,000 (about US$100).
Wagon Shipping is developing multiple consumer access points for the new ferry service to accommodate different travel preferences. The company plans partnerships with four to five established travel agencies that will create comprehensive package tours incorporating the sea journey. Meanwhile, independent travelers will have options to purchase standalone ferry tickets or combined ticket-and-accommodation packages that simplify travel planning. Distribution channels will initially include partner travel agencies, with a dedicated online reservation system scheduled to launch following the official announcement of fare structures. The preliminary sailing schedule envisions overnight journeys between the two ports, allowing passengers to sleep during transit and arrive at their destination in the morning hours, though this timetable remains subject to final operational decisions.
The September launch timeline represents a calculated decision balancing operational readiness against seasonal weather patterns in the East China Sea. Hung acknowledged that while the vessel will be prepared for service by early autumn, the ferry's inaugural season will coincide with the beginning of the region's northeast monsoon period, which typically brings rougher sea conditions to the Taiwan-Ishigaki corridor. Nevertheless, the executive cited overwhelming market interest as justification for proceeding with the September commencement rather than delaying until more favorable weather patterns emerge. The company expects to release comprehensive service details, including exact departure times and onboard amenities, once pricing negotiations conclude in the coming weeks. ◼