The Taiwan International Ports Corporation promotes the EcoPort model among its subsidiary port organizations
The Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) has actively promoted the EcoPort model among its subsidiary port organizations as a tool to promote the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s commercial ports. The EcoPort program targets the four pillars of passenger transportation, cargo transportation, port environment, and urban / social development.
“Green” and “sustainable” have been the focus of many of the world’s major commercial ports in recent years. Software and hardware systems, green economic mechanisms, and close cooperation among stakeholders have been used successfully to reduce the risk and operating costs of ports while improving their image and enhancing their opportunities for sustainable integration with adjacent communities and society.
Working to improve the international visibility of Taiwan ports, TIPC has been actively improving conditions in and around these ports. The Port of Kaohsiung was the first to use its improvements to apply for international EcoPort certification, which was officially granted on November 14th, 2014. This made the Port of Kaohsiung the first EcoPort in Asia. Since then, the Ports of Keelung and Taichung have passed first-stage inspections for EcoPort certification, with final certification expected by the end of this year. Taipei Port and the Port of Hualien have also recently passed first-stage EcoPort inspections, putting TIPC on course to getting Taiwan’s ports in line with international “green port” trends.
EcoPort certification makes it easier for ports to work and develop long-term cooperative relationships with ecologically minded shipping companies and to be prioritized as a port of call. EcoPort certification is expected to increase the transshipment volumes handled through Taiwan and to enhance port operating efficiencies.
