CSBC Keelung Shipyard Delivers Fourth 1,000-Ton Patrol Vessel Hualien and Launches Fifth Vessel Penghu for CGA

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim took photo on board (from left: Lee Wen-ling, Chang Chung-lung, Hsu Yung-Ning, Kuan Bi-ling, Hsiao Bi-khim, Chen Jeng-horng)

CSBC Corporation, Taiwan (hereinafter "CSBC," TWSE: 2208) today held a joint ceremony at its Keelung Shipyard to mark the delivery of the fourth 1,000-ton patrol vessel Hualien and the naming and launching of the fifth vessel Penghu, both built for the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) Fleet Branch under the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC). The event was presided over by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, accompanied by Kuan Bi-ling, Minister of the OAC, and Chen Jeng-horng, Chairman of CSBC. Distinguished guests in attendance included Legislators Wang Cheng-hsu and Su Chiao-hui, legislative aides in Keelung City, Keelung Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin, National Taiwan Ocean University President Hsu Tai-wen, Chief of Staff (Vice Admiral) of the Navy Command Headquarters Chiu Chun-jung, as well as the Coast Guard Friendship Association, and other industry, academic, and civic leaders. As part of the ceremony, Mrs. Lee Wen-ling, spouse of CGA Director-General Chang, performed the traditional bottle-breaking ritual for Penghu, bestowing blessings upon the new vessel, which symbolizes a strengthened force in safeguarding Taiwan's territory and maritime security.

To strengthen patrol operations around Taiwan's waters, safeguard the safety of fishermen, and uphold maritime order, the CGA under the OCA commissioned CSBC to build six 1,000-ton patrol vessels. The lead ship Changhua was delivered in November 2022, followed by Taichung in December 2023 and Lienchiang in November 2024. Today, the fourth vessel Hualien was officially delivered, while the fifth vessel Penghu was named and launched, marking continued progress in Taiwan's "Indigenous Shipbuilding" policy.

Advantages of the 1,000-Ton Class Patrol Vessel

The new generation of 1,000-ton patrol vessels offers significant advancements over their predecessors:

1. Larger hull and improved seaworthiness: With an extended and enlarged design, the vessels demonstrate superior wave-resistance and stability, enabling sustained operations even in harsh sea conditions such as the northeast monsoon.
   
   
2. Enhanced weapon systems: Equipped with the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology's "Zhenhai Weapon System," replacing the traditional 40mm cannon. With a range of around 10 km and capacity for up to 42 rounds of 2.75-inch rockets, the system provides both deterrence and precision strike capability, strengthening surface defense.
   
   
3. High-pressure water cannon: Featuring a 120-meter range, the system effectively deters illegal vessels and supports maritime riot-control missions, making it particularly useful for inshore fisheries protection and anti-smuggling or anti-trafficking operations.
   
   
4. Multi-mission capability: Beyond fisheries protection, law enforcement, rescue, and defense, the vessels are equipped to support disaster relief and emergency medical operations, demonstrating comprehensive operational versatility.
   
   
5. Indigenous design and construction: Entirely designed and built in Taiwan, the ships incorporate domestic supply chains, showcasing the achievements of the "Indigenous Shipbuilding" policy while enhancing local industry capabilities and logistical support efficiency.
   
   

Quality Verification and Safety Assurance

The vessel has undergone comprehensive inspections and certifications by the CR Classification Society (CR) in accordance with international standards and domestic regulations. The process covered all key stages, including design review, material testing, manufacturing supervision, and final sea trials. Through rigorous quality control mechanisms, CR ensured that the vessel meets standards in structural strength, seakeeping, weapons system integration, and overall safety performance. Upon successful completion, certification was issued, providing the government and the public with the highest level of confidence in the vessel's reliability.

The CR, Taiwan's only internationally recognized professional classification body, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of the "Indigenous Shipbuilding" program. Beyond ensuring that vessels meet the highest standards, CR guarantees that they can deliver optimal performance even under the most demanding sea conditions. Acting as a true "guardian at sea," CR is not only the gatekeeper of maritime safety but also a cornerstone in securing international recognition for Taiwan's indigenous shipbuilding efforts.

Group photo of distinguished guests with CSBC employees

CSBC Shouldering the Mission of Indigenous Shipbuilding

As Taiwan's largest shipbuilder, CSBC has long carried the mission of supporting national infrastructure and defense development. In recent years, the company has actively aligned with government policy on indigenous shipbuilding, continuously delivering high-performance vessels for both the CGA and the Navy.

Looking ahead, CSBC will further advance its shipbuilding technologies and production capacity to assist the CGA and Navy in fleet modernization, while taking part in the design and construction of a wide range of combat and logistics vessels. By implementing the "Indigenous Shipbuilding and Integrated Shipbuilding & Repair" policy, CSBC aims to strengthen Taiwan's maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities, fully meeting the expectations of the nation.