TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has commissioned a 1,000-ton ship, the Lienchiang, and launched another ship during a ceremony at CSBC's Keelung shipyard on Wednesday (Nov. 6).

Taiwan Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) said the Lienchiang’s commissioning represents further progress in the nation’s domestic shipbuilding initiative, CNA reported. Since 2018, the government has allocated NT$42.6 billion (US$1.32 billion) to support the Ocean Affairs Council and CGA’s plan to expand its fleet.

The Lienchiang will be stationed with the 8th Coast Guard Squadron in Penghu, while the other ship, dubbed the Hualien, will be assigned to eastern Taiwan to safeguard regional waters, Cheng said. She expressed confidence that these vessels would enhance the Coast Guard’s strength in defending sovereignty, protecting fishing rights, and ensuring public safety.

The CGA plans to build 141 new vessels totaling 33,200 tons over 10 years. The project is expected to invigorate Taiwan's shipbuilding industry, creating an estimated 8,000 jobs and generating over NT$100 billion in economic value, boosting the industry’s international competitiveness.