Amid geopolitical uncertainty, the global push toward net-zero emissions, and accelerating smart transformation, the shipping industry faces multiple challenges related to industrial upgrading. In response to rapidly changing international conditions and industry policy-related recommendations, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) approved the Maritime and Port Bureau’s (MPB) Shipping Industry Upgrade Program (2026–2029) during its 1965th ministerial affairs meeting. The program is built around four strategic pillars: green transition, smart innovation, talent cultivation, and shipping ecosystem development, and includes 17 implementation strategies and 48 action plans. Minister of MOTC Shih-kai Chen commended the MPB for its forward-looking policy planning and instructed the bureau to integrate cross-sector resources and strengthen collaboration among the shipping, logistics, insurance, and financial industries to enhance the overall competitiveness of Taiwan’s shipping sector.
  Director-General Yeh Hsieh-lung of the MPB noted that, as an island nation, Taiwan relies on maritime transportation for more than 95% of its import and export cargo volume, while Taiwan’s three major container shipping companies account for approximately 10% of global shipping capacity. The government has continued strengthening commercial port infrastructure, contributing to Taiwan’s internationally recognized maritime transport capabilities. However, the shipping industry remains closely affected by global development, particularly the rapid political and economic changes that have occurred since the pandemic. In addition to the dual challenges of sustainability and smart transformation, issues such as talent cultivation and shipping ecosystem development also require comprehensive planning. Yeh emphasized that the program seeks to promote the sustainable growth and international competitiveness of Taiwan’s shipping industry through systematic policy planning and cross-ministerial resource integration.
  Yeh further explained that the program is intended to drive industrial upgrading through concrete actions. Under the green transition pillar, the government will develop a maritime net-zero roadmap, establish decarbonization guidelines, promote green financing, and encourage alternative-fuel vessels to participate in domestic Blue Highway container routes in alignment with the global 2050 net-zero pathway. In terms of smart innovation, the program focuses on improving digital port and shipping management through the establishment of a port community system (PCS) data exchange platform and the application of digital technologies to optimize operational efficiency while strengthening the industry’s digital competitiveness. For talent cultivation, the program aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s maritime transport workforce by steadily training young professionals, personnel from non-maritime backgrounds, and alternative-energy vessel crews, while also offering specialized shipping courses for industry practitioners and graduating maritime transport students to establish a comprehensive talent development system. To strengthen the shipping industry ecosystem, the government also plans to establish a Shipping Industry Development Research Center to introduce international maritime resources, connect industry–academia–research commercial service networks, and cultivate senior management and interdisciplinary talent in support of the industry’s sustainable development. The program is expected to involve a total investment of NT$2.45 billion. Subsequent implementation of individual action plans will proceed in accordance with relevant regulations following formal approval from the competent authorities.
  Yeh added that the MPB recognizes the urgent need to advance industrial transformation and upgrading. During the planning process, the bureau not only examined the policy experiences of leading maritime nations, but also conducted consultations with shipping companies and industry associations to better understand practical industry needs and incorporate policy recommendations proposed in industry white papers. Yeh emphasized that each action plan included in the program was finalized after multiple rounds of interagency consultations and discussions among government, industry, and academic stakeholders to ensure both practicality and systematic implementation. He noted that the program serves not only as a comprehensive policy framework and action blueprint for Taiwan’s shipping industry over the next four years, but also as a mechanism for integrating cross-ministerial resources and industry capabilities to guide industrial transformation. Through implementation of the program, the government aims to establish a sustainable, smart, and resilient shipping system and further strengthen Taiwan’s leadership in the global maritime sector.

Contact Person: Ming-tsung Teng, Section Chief, Shipping Affairs Division
Tel.: 02-89782563