TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Keelung City unveiled its 2030 Smart Ocean City vision (基隆2030智慧海洋城市願景) last Wednesday (Sept. 2). The development blueprint builds on three years of infrastructure investments and positions the northern port city as Taiwan's maritime innovation hub.
Mayor George Hsieh (謝國樑) presented the plan at Keelung Youth Dream Factory (基隆青年夢工場). He was joined by National Taiwan Ocean University (國立臺灣海洋大學) President Hsu Tai-wen (許泰文) and representatives from the Ocean Affairs Council (海洋委員會) and National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (國立海洋科技博物館).
"Keelung 2030 is not about drawing a new blueprint from scratch," Hsieh said. "It is the next phase of development built on the achievements of the past three-plus years."
Since taking office, Hsieh has centered his administration on three pillars: ocean, technology, and people. The city's strategy focuses on six areas — AI-powered governance, industrial development, environmental sustainability, transportation infrastructure, all-age care, and education and culture.
"Keelung is a city that coexists with the ocean," Hsieh added. "No matter how industries and daily life develop in the future, they will always be inseparable from the sea."
The city government has been promoting harbor revitalization and developing cruise, yacht, and marine-related industries. The Badouzi Yacht Marina (八斗子遊艇碼頭) has officially opened. Officials are also planning amphibious vehicles that can travel on both land and water to serve as engines for transportation, tourism, and industrial growth.
The vision builds on infrastructure progress over the past three years. Construction of the Keelung MRT continues, and pedestrian environments and arcade walkways have been improved. The city has also established indoor children's playgrounds while expanding childcare support and elderly care services.
AI and digital technologies have been integrated into city governance and residents' daily lives, spanning transportation, environmental management, and all-age care, officials said.
The city government has deepened its collaboration with National Taiwan Ocean University, drawing on the university's expertise in marine research, industry, and talent development. University President Hsu said Keelung possesses unique maritime conditions that make amphibious vehicles an excellent policy direction for connecting land and sea transportation.
"Everything we are doing is for the next generation," Hsieh continued. "Many of the things I am working on now will not show clear results immediately."
The mayor emphasized that city governance must look beyond immediate concerns and prepare for the next generation. Looking ahead, officials pledged continued collaboration with partners across industry, government, academia, and research sectors to transform Keelung into a more livable, vibrant, and competitive city. ◼