TAIWAN International Ports Corporation, Ltd (TIPC) is focusing on upgrading Kaohsiung Port's 3rd and 5th Container Terminals and adjacent yards to boost port competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth targets.

The port's 7th Container Terminal, which commenced commercial operations in May 2023, is expected to increase annual container handling capacity at the port by 6.5 million TEU.

Beyond constructing the new 7th Container Terminal, TIPC has allocated an additional budget of NT$4.4 billion (US$138 million) to improve and upgrade infrastructures at the port's 3rd and 5th Container Terminals, which, once completed, will significantly increase the handling capacity and operational efficiencies at these two terminals.

At Wharf No 70 of the 3rd Container Terminal, the water depth will increase from 13.5 to 15.2 metres, with the addition of 100 feet of new gantry crane track and dockside handling equipment.

At Wharf Nos 77-79 of the 5th Container Terminal, the water depth will increase from 14.5 to 17.0 metres, with 120 feet of new gantry crane track and dockside handling equipment to accommodate vessels up to 24,000 TEU capacity.

New onshore power and water supply systems are also being installed to align with green-port commitments, moving TIPC closer to its zero-carbon goals.

Works at both terminals started on February 21 of this year and are set to conclude by summer 2027.

To ensure normal port operations, the project will be executed in phases, with TIPC and shipping companies jointly investing in the 5th Container Terminal improvements. TIPC will handle wharf enhancements, while companies will upgrade container yard facilities.

In August 2023, Evergreen Marine Corp. (EMC) celebrated the official opening of Terminal 7 at Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan's first automated container terminal, reports London's Port Technology.