Kaohsiung: The Port of Kaohsiung and the Port of Subic Bay in the Philippines officially signed a sister-port agreement Wednesday, marking an expansion of maritime cooperation between Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The signing ceremony was held during the 14th anniversary celebration of Taiwan International Ports Corp. (TIPC) at the Port of Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal, drawing more than 200 participants, including senior officials and industry representatives.

According to Focus Taiwan, the agreement aligns with Taiwan's New Southbound Policy and aims to deepen cooperation in port operations, port-area security management, digital and information security, and personnel exchanges. This initiative is set to strengthen Kaohsiung Port's role as a key gateway in the Asia-Pacific shipping network.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai emphasized the link between the development of the Port of Kaohsiung and the city's growth. In response to rapid global changes, the city government and the port operator are working collectively towards shared objectives, focusing on digital transformation and sustainable development to secure the port's future prospects.

TIPC Chairman Chou Yung-hui highlighted the company's operating revenue of NT$23.53 billion (US$750.69 million) last year. Notably, international cruise calls reached 567, a 37 percent increase from the previous year, with passenger numbers rising to 1.1567 million, indicating robust growth. Chou outlined plans to enhance port infrastructure and service capacity, utilizing digital and sustainable innovations to boost the shipping sector and tourism economy.

In another development, TIPC's Taichung Branch signed a contract with Taiwan Power Co. for constructing natural gas pipelines and related facilities in the southern waters of Taichung Port. The project is projected to handle annual natural gas transport volumes of up to 2.3 million metric tons, demonstrating the port operator's role in supporting Taiwan's critical infrastructure and national energy security.