1,000-Ton-Class 'Penghu' Vessel Delivered, Next Ship Named! Taiwan's First Female Maritime Pilot Performs Bottle Ceremony; Kuan: New Achievement in Indigenous Shipbuilding

The Fleet Division of the Coast Guard Administration held a joint ceremony today (21) at CSBC Corporation's Keelung plant for the delivery of the fifth 1,000-ton-class patrol vessel, the 'Penghu,' and the naming and launching of the sixth vessel, CG1008. The event was presided over by Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Chairperson Kuan Bi-ling, with Taiwan's first female maritime pilot, Huang Chao-ling, serving as the guest of honor for the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony. Kuan emphasized that the Indigenous Vessel Construction Program is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan's self-reliant maritime capabilities. She also highlighted that the OAC has launched four major ocean governance strategies this year, with the Coast Guard serving as the key force in implementing them.

The Coast Guard's 'Forward-Looking Patrol Vessel Construction Program' is a 10-year initiative (2018–2027) to build 141 vessels across six classes, with a total budget of NT$42.6 billion. All construction is being carried out domestically by shipbuilders including CSBC, China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSC), and Kang Ming Marine. The fleet includes four 4,000-ton patrol vessels, six 1,000-ton vessels, twelve 600-ton vessels, seventeen 100-ton patrol boats, fifty-two 35-ton patrol boats, and fifty coastal multi-purpose boats.

The 'Penghu' is the fifth of six 1,000-ton-class patrol vessels under the program. It has a top speed of 24 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles, equipped with four high-pressure firefighting water cannons, enabling extended maritime operations. The Coast Guard stated that amid China's attempts to create gray-zone incursions in Taiwan's eastern waters under the guise of law enforcement, the deployment of large patrol vessels strengthens frontline enforcement and demonstrates Taiwan's determination to safeguard maritime security. After delivery, the 'Penghu' will be assigned to the Southern Regional Mobile Coast Guard Unit, serving as a key asset for maritime patrols, search and rescue, and major incident response.

The ceremony notably invited Huang Chao-ling, Taiwan's first female maritime pilot, to perform the bottle-breaking ritual, officially naming the final 1,000-ton-class vessel CG1008 as the 'Keelung.' Huang, recognized as a model seafarer and publicly commended by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, symbolizes the Coast Guard's commitment to gender equality in maritime professions. The event aims to inspire more talented women to pursue careers in the maritime industry and contribute to Taiwan's broader blue economy.

In her speech, Chairperson Kuan stated that the delivery of the 'Penghu' and the naming of the 'Keelung' represent more than just new vessels—they signify the final piece of the Indigenous Vessel Construction Program, marking a new achievement in Taiwan's self-reliant shipbuilding. She noted that the Coast Guard's strength stems from three consecutive presidents prioritizing maritime vessel development as a national goal, with sustained government investment in improving enforcement systems, duty equipment, and welfare for personnel. This year's National Security Resilience Special Budget allocated NT$6.166 billion for vessel construction, ensuring frontline officers have better equipment, safer working conditions, and stronger institutional support.

Kuan emphasized that the OAC's four ocean governance strategies for this year—enhancing maritime domain awareness and early warning, deepening international cooperation, securing safe sea lanes, and improving peacetime-to-wartime transition capabilities—rely heavily on the Coast Guard as the primary implementing force. Despite challenges such as gray-zone incursions, Coast Guard personnel continue to safeguard the nation daily. In the first half of this year alone, the Coast Guard seized 5,499 kilograms of narcotics, expelled 451 Chinese vessels, rescued 241 people, and cracked high-profile cases such as the illegal export of advanced AI servers. Since late 2018, it has also responded to 189 incidents involving drifting pig carcasses, effectively protecting Taiwan's livestock safety.