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The Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) held this morning the “2025 Blue Highway Maritime Tourism Carnival” press conference, officially announcing the opening of five brand-new ferry routes to mark the beginning of the midsummer maritime tourism season. The event was attended by MOTC Minister Shih-kai Chen, MOTC Administrative Deputy Minister Kuo-hsian Lin, Department of Navigation and Aviation Director Chen-hua Han, Penghu County Magistrate Kuang-fu Chen, Penghu County Deputy Magistrate Chieh-hsing LinLienchiang County Magistrate Chung-ming Wang, Tourism Administration Director-General Yu-Hsiu Chen, Taiwan International Ports Corp. President Chin-jung Wang, and representatives from various shipping companies and travel agencies, who together witnessed a key milestone in the development of Taiwan’s maritime tourism. This event is supported by a newly approved incentive mechanism from the MOTC, encouraging collaboration among shipping companies, travel agencies, and local governments. By integrating local festivals and attractions, the initiative aims to create innovative and diverse itineraries, gradually cultivate tourist demand prior to constructing a nationwide Blue Highway sightseeing ferry, and ultimately promote maritime tourism and revitalize the economy.

In his speech, MOTC Minister Chen emphasized that Taiwan, as an island nation, offers not only travel by air, rail, and road, but also the unique experience of seeing Taiwan from the sea. This fresh perspective is what the Blue Highway seeks to offer. Since taking office, Minister Chen has vigorously promoted maritime tourism through the Blue Highway initiative, inviting the MPB and Tourism Administration to jointly develop concrete plans. These efforts include opening new routes, improving port facilities, acquiring/building new vessels, and creating innovative itineraries. On July 1, the MOTC officially approved the “Maritime Tourism Route Development and Marketing Subsidy Guidelines,” aiming to use incentive mechanisms to encourage cross-sector collaboration among shipping and tourism companies in designing more diverse and engaging sea itineraries.

Minister Chen also expressed his sincere appreciation to all the shipping companies for their help during long weekends, fog-related disruptions in offshore islands, and unexpected transportation interruptions. He especially thanked the partners who played key roles in the “three-hour emergency SOP” for the Suao-Hualien maritime transport route. Thanks to everyone’s efforts on the frontlines and their swift responses, the Blue Highway is not only a tourism route but also a lifeline safeguarding transportation safety. Furthermore, at the press conference, Minister Chen officially announced that the MOTC has instructed the MPB to plan and build a nationwide Blue Highway sightseeing ferry, which will serve as a model ship for the future. This initiative aims to further enhance tourism capacity, promote regional prosperity, and inject new vitality into the economic development of the Blue Highway; the MPB has been asked to expedite the process. Finally, Minister Chen expressed his gratitude to local governments, shipping companies, and travel agencies for their participation and support in promoting maritime tourism routes, and wished the 2025 Maritime Tourism Carnival a great success.

MPB Director General Yeh Hsieh-lung stated that the newly launched routes and itineraries were all carefully curated by shipping companies and travel agencies, with strong support from local governments. These local partners assisted by coordinating promotional activities and offering discounts, which markedly enhance the richness and appeal attraction of the itineraries. During the carnival press conference, representatives from each route were invited to present their itineraries, alongside an on-site exhibition area where shipping companies, travel agencies, and local governments showcased their diverse tour packages and onboard experiences.

This year’s carnival is the result of the close collaboration between the MPB and multiple shipping companies, culminating in five new routes, including three limited-time trial routes and two regular service routes. The routes are as follows: Keelung–Hualien (July 25–27); Budai–Penghu–Kinmen (August 14–18); Keelung–Penghu (August 25–27); Anping District, Tainan–Magong City, Penghu (July to September); and Keelung–Ishigaki, Japan (scheduled to launch in mid-September). The limited-time routes, launching between July and the end of August, include night sailings for the Keelung–Hualien and Keelung–Penghu routes. These routes allow passengers to depart in the evening and spend the night onboard, saving on accommodation while enjoying a range of nighttime activities such as stargazing, sunrise viewing, magic shows, and live band performance. Passengers can wake up refreshed and start their land excursions right away—creating a new maritime tourism experience where “the journey begins the moment you board the ship.” Regarding the Budai–Penghu–Kinmen route, it enables travelers from Taiwan’s main island to explore the two major offshore islands in a single trip, while also allowing Kinmen and Penghu residents to visit each other without transferring flights. Meanwhile, the Anping District, Tainan–Magong City, Penghu route and Keelung–Ishigaki international route offer travelers a wider range of travel options and help promote the development of cross-border maritime tourism.

MPB Director General Hsieh-lung Yeh further stated that moving forward, MPB will continue to promote the integrated development of routes, ports, vessels, and tours, working with relevant agencies from different sectors to market maritime tourism and optimize ferries, ferry services, and port facilities, transforming the Blue Highway from a mere transportation option into a rich travel experience that connects local cultural features, tourism industries, and maritime activities. The goal is to provide a new, leisurely travel choice for both domestic and international tourists seeking to experience life at sea.

Contact person: Wen-yun Tu, Section Chief, Maritime Affairs Division

Contact number:  02-89788020