President Tsai Ing-wen presided over ceremonies for the launch of Coast Guard Administration patrol vessel Taipei and the delivery of its sister ship Yunlin in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City March 9.

  Manufactured by CSBC Corp., Taiwan, the 4,000-ton vessels are the largest in the CGA fleet and are equipped with advanced medical facilities including operating rooms and negative pressure isolation wards, Tsai said. The equipment will greatly enhance the Coast Guard’s maritime medical rescue capabilities, which will allow Taiwan to provide more assistance in international humanitarian missions, she added.

  Tsai also noted that the Taipei will operate in territorial waters in central Taiwan while the Yunlin will carry out missions off the coast of southern Taiwan.

  The state-of-the-art vessels are a milestone in the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council’s patrol shipbuilding project, the president said, adding that the 10-year undertaking, slated for completion at the end of 2027, will produce 141 vessels equipped with cutting-edge technology to protect Taiwan’s fishing rights and sovereignty.

  According to Tsai, domestic development of patrol vessels is additionally expected to support the local shipbuilding industry. She said that the total value from their construction process including designs, materials, inspection and maintenance is estimated to reach NT$100 billion (US$3.18 billion) and generate over 8,000 jobs.

  The government’s determination to build ships domestically shows Taiwan’s commitment to upholding freedom and democracy, Tsai said, adding that it will spare no effort to create a safe and prosperous country. (YCH-E)

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(ref. Taiwan Today https://www.taiwantoday.tw)