TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co. plans to expand its domestic and international orders with its China-free supply chain unmanned vessel, Black Tide, which is designed for reconnaissance and attack missions, CNA reported.
Equipped with sensors and an AI-powered operating interface, the Black Tide measures 9 meters in length, with a top speed of more than 40 knots (74 kph) and a maximum range of 250 km. During a demonstration at an unmanned surface vessel (USV) showcase in June, it reached a top speed of 81.5 kph. The vessel’s specifications can be customized based on client requirements.
Company Chair Huang Shou-zhen (黃守真) forecast that demand in the shipbuilding market will outpace supply over the next decade, particularly from the Navy and the Coast Guard Administration. According to the Cabinet, the administration plans to build 40 patrol vessels, while the Navy is set to allocate NT$18 billion (US$596 million) to procure 1,320 USVs and large patrol ships.
The company has partnered with the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology to develop three new Kuai-Chi USVs. Designed to adapt to Taiwan's coastal terrain, the vessels can conduct coordinated swarm attacks and carry drones to strike maritime targets.
Lung Teh is also working with the UK-based companies MSubs and Marine AI to develop an unmanned underwater vehicle measuring 9 meters in length. Sea trials for the vehicle are scheduled for the first half of next year.
Huang said the company has begun expansion work at its Yilan factory, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The renovated facility will be capable of handling large vessel orders up to 125 meters in length.
Lung Teh is scheduled to deliver 11 ships next year, which is expected to drive year-on-year revenue growth. Last year, the company reported revenue of NT$5.12 billion and a net profit of approximately NT$707 million, up 23% from 2023.
This year’s Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, which runs through Saturday, has attracted major domestic shipbuilders, including Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corp., CSBC Corp., and Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co.
