Ro-Pax

Taiwanese partnership to acquire Japan-built ferry

Baird Maritime

Taiwanese state-owned vessel operator Taiwan Navigation Company and the country's Maritime and Port Bureau have entered into an agreement for the construction and operation of a new Ro-Pax ferry that will serve the route between Kaohsiung and Penghu County.

The new ferry, which will be named Taipeng, will be built by Japan's Naikai Zosen and will be completed by the third quarter of 2023.

The vessel will have capacity for 600 passengers and 88 vehicles as well as 10 reefer containers for storing fresh produce. About half of the passengers will be housed in overnight accommodations.