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To assist the maritime industry in understanding global trends and adapting to changes, the Maritime and Port Bureau hosted the International Maritime Dual Transformation Forward-Looking Forum on November 29th at the GIS MOTC Convention Center. The forum centered on the topics of net-zero sustainability and digital value addition, and more than 130 participants from governmental, industrial, academic, and research sectors attended. Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications, Kuo-Shian Lin, Deputy Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, Hsiang-Wen Huang, and Chief-Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Betty Hu, were invited to deliver speeches at the event. Feng-Ming Tsai, Chairman of Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, was also invited to present a keynote speech titled “Sustainable Maritime Transport: A Forward-Looking Perspective.” The enthusiastic participation of representatives from various sectors highlighted the maritime industry’s commitment to net-zero and digital transformation initiatives.

Deputy minister Lin stated that the maritime, land transport, air transport, meteorology, and tourism sectors are all addressing issues around green sustainability and intelligent transformation. These two themes are interconnected and constitute global trends and critical tasks that require immediate attention across all fields. For the maritime transport industry, achieving sustainability involves energy-efficient shipping, green shipping corridor development, green energy advancements, as well as the deployment of supporting infrastructure, such as shore power facilities, and the integration of big data and artificial intelligence technology. The MPB collaborates with maritime operators to conduct comprehensive assessments of energy consumption and use of information technologies. A goal is to achieve transformation in an efficient and safe manner, thereby promoting sustainable development of relevant industries. Deputy Minister Huang emphasized the crucial role of maritime transport in environmental protection. Among the 12 key strategies adopted by the Taiwanese government for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, several areas require proactive involvement from the maritime industry. The deputy minister expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the MPB for their efforts in protecting the marine environment and expressed hope for future collaboration in advancing marine sustainability and maritime safety. Chief Secretary Hu highlighted the importance of digital technology in promoting sustainable development. She noted that in the process of digital transformation, establishing paperless systems and common platforms is critical. Additionally, information security, resilience in communication networks, and talent cultivation are key elements of the transformation of the maritime industry. She expressed hope that increased exchange and collaboration will help Taiwan advance steadily toward achieving goals around net-zero emissions.

Hiseh-Lung Yeh, Director-General of the MPB, stated that in the face of global climate change and the push for net-zero emissions, the international maritime industry cannot remain uninvolved. In recent years, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has greatly accelerated the development of global strategies and concrete regulations for reducing emissions in the shipping sector. The global maritime industry is confronting tremendous challenges, with digitalization and net-zero transformation becoming mutually driving forces. International shipping companies are leveraging Internet of Things devices, 5G technologies, and blockchains to optimize fleet route deployment and planning and to design vessels that are smart and ecofriendly. These advancements aim to enhance the efficiency of energy utilization and port logistics operations.

In his keynote speech, Chairman Tsai of Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation addressed the dual development trends of “net-zero emissions” and “digital transformation” in international maritime transport from an industrial perspective. He elaborated on the challenges posed by the dual transformation and outlined the response strategies and future outlook for Taiwan’s public and private sectors. Additionally, Wei-Chun Hsieh, Chairman of the CR Classification Society, and Yu-Ling Chin, Honorary Chairperson of the Taiwan International Logistics and Supply Chain Association, chaired two thematic sessions titled “Building Net-Zero Sustainable Shipping” and “Navigating the Digital Era of Maritime Transport,” respectively. The forum featured panelists Chu-Sheng Wu, Senior Vice President of U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation; Chih-Wen Cheng, President of the CR Classification Society; Lieh-Chung Chang, Chairman of the National Chinese Seamen’s Union; Cheng-Hsiung Cheng, Chief Technical Officer of Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation; Shean-Kwang Chou, Chief Executive Officer of the Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center; and Shu-Hui Cheng, Deputy General Manager of Taiwan International Ports Corporation. The forum concluded with a comprehensive panel discussion exploring challenges in green maritime corridor collaboration, the international development and application of alternative fuels, trends in automated vessels, and infrastructure required for alternative fuels. The session provided opportunities for real-time exchanges and interactions with attendees, fostering dialogue on potential future developments.

The MPB emphasized that digital transformation is closely intertwined with the net-zero transformation of the maritime industry. Given Taiwan’s robust information and communication information sector, we anticipate that the sector will play a pivotal role in advancing the green transformation of the domestic maritime industry. Through this forum, the MPB has sought to listen to diverse perspectives and gather insights. This approach will support future policy planning and implementation, fostering close collaboration with industry, academia, and related agencies. These efforts aim to ensure that Taiwan’s maritime industry continues to shine on the international stage and achieve sustainable development and growth.

Contact person: Jen-Wei Chang, Planning Division

Contact number: 02-89782790