TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan commissioned a new patrol vessel Thursday (Oct. 9) to strengthen maritime security in northeastern waters. Offshore Flotilla 1 (基隆海巡隊), Taiwan's coast guard unit, celebrated the PP-3530 patrol vessel (巡防艇) commissioning during a blessing ceremony at Keelung Port East Pier 15 (基隆港東15碼頭), with Capt. Chuang Kuang-cheng (莊光正) leading the event.
The PP-3530 was built under Taiwan's "Forward-looking Development Program for Coast Guard Vessels" (籌建海巡艦艇前瞻發展計畫), featuring high speed, shallow draft, maneuverability, and energy efficiency. Measuring 22.35 meters (73.3 feet) in length and 5.12 meters (16.8 feet) in width, the vessel reaches 45 knots (83 kmh) with a 676 nautical mile (1,252 km) range.
The vessel features a high-pressure water cannon discharging 70,000 liters per hour with a 60-meter (197-foot) range for firefighting and support operations. Its aluminum hull and reinforced collision structure enhance safety and boarding inspection efficiency, with Offshore Flotilla 1 (Keelung) emphasizing the vessel's high mobility enables rapid maritime response capabilities.
The PP-3530 addition alongside the existing PP-3501 vessel significantly strengthens patrol and operational capabilities in Taiwan's northeastern coastal region. This development underscores Taiwan's commitment to bolstering maritime security and ensuring swift responses to potential maritime incidents in strategically important waters. ◼