Port of Keelung

A Rich History

The roots of the Port of Keelung can be traced back to the 17th century when it was occupied by the Spanish and later by the Dutch. However, it was during the Japanese colonial period that the port underwent significant development. The Japanese recognized its potential and transformed it into a modern harbor, making it the largest port in Taiwan at that time.

After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the Port of Keelung became the main entry point for Chinese officials taking over Taiwan from Japan. As Taiwan experienced rapid economic growth in the 1960s and 1970s, the port flourished and became one of the busiest in the world. Today, it continues to thrive as a vital economic and transportation hub.

Port Infrastructure and Facilities

The Port of Keelung boasts a well-developed infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities to cater to various maritime needs. It has a total of 57 docks, including both commercial and military terminals, with a combined quay length of over 9,000 meters. The port area covers approximately 572 hectares and is divided into the outer port, inner port, and Niuchou port.

The outer port of Keelung offers deep-water berths capable of accommodating post-Panamax container vessels and bulk cargo ships up to 60,000 tons. It also features tanker terminals supplying T’ao-yuan Refinery. On the other hand, the inner port is dedicated to passenger and freight transport, providing services such as international container handling, cross-strait ferry connections, and intra-Asia container shipping.

The Port of Keelung is equipped with modern cargo-handling equipment, including gantry cranes and bridge cranes, to ensure efficient and smooth operations. It also has extensive container storage and transportation yards on both the east and west banks, capable of storing thousands of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers.

Gateway to Taipei and Beyond

One of the main advantages of the Port of Keelung is its proximity to the capital city of Taipei, which is approximately 24 kilometers away. This makes it a convenient gateway for cruise passengers to explore the vibrant city and its numerous attractions. With excellent transportation connections, travelers can easily reach Taipei by train or bus within a short time.

There are many cultural, historical, and modern sites to see in Taipei. People can enjoy the busy environment of well-known night markets, like the Miaokou Night Market in Keelung, which is famous for its tasty street food. The National Palace Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of Chinese art treasures, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Other highlights include the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, traditional temples, and vibrant shopping districts.

Cruise Tourism and Port Development

The Port of Keelung has emerged as a prominent player in the cruise tourism industry in recent years. Its convenient location and well-established infrastructure have attracted major cruise lines to include Keelung as a port of call. The port has successfully hosted various international cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore Taiwan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant cities.

In 2018, the port reported a record year with over 1.14 million cruise passengers, making it one of Asia’s top cruise destinations. The number of foreign cruisers visiting Keelung has been steadily increasing, with significant growth from countries like the Philippines. The port’s commitment to enhancing its facilities and services has contributed to its success in attracting cruise lines and providing a memorable experience for passengers.

To further boost its cruise tourism industry, the Port of Keelung has embarked on several development projects. The “Taipei Port Container” project, completed in 2014, expanded the port’s container terminal capacity with the construction of new berths and storage areas. This development has enabled the port to handle larger container ships and meet the growing demands of international trade.