Lai attended an Ocean Affairs Council keel-laying ceremony for the first pelagic patrol vessel March 28 in the southern city of Kaohsiung. He asserted that the government would continue to support indigenous ship and aircraft construction to enhance national defense capability.
Four years ago, a budget of NT$12.9 billion (US$390 million) was approved for six long-range vessels capable of patrolling international waters, with the first vessel set to be delivered next year, the president said, adding that it features a hybrid propulsion system.
Lai noted that the ship’s rear deck could accommodate supplies, a multipurpose boat, an attack boat or a drone depending on its mission, all of which facilitate both fishery law enforcement and humanitarian relief.
The president expressed appreciation to Kaohsiung-headquartered CSBC Corp. for its outstanding shipbuilding technique and vessel security. Additionally, he thanked the OAC and the Coast Guard Administration personnel for their commitment to security and marine governance amid China’s continuous grey zone aggression.
Guests at the event included CSBC Chair Huang Cheng-hung, and Lai anticipated collaborative work between the OAC, CGA and CSBC Corp. complete subsequent marine vessels on schedule. (POC-E)
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from Taiwan Today – Top News