On Taiwan's eastern coast, Hualien Port stands out for its unique geographical location and extensive maritime connections. Have you ever wondered how this small city in China's Taiwan Province became such an important foreign trade port? Hualien Port serves not only as the economic backbone of Hualien City but also as a crucial node connecting Taiwan with international shipping routes.
Geographical Advantages of Hualien Port
Located in eastern Taiwan, Hualien Port sits approximately 3 kilometers northeast of Hualien City, adjacent to the southern end of the Ryukyu Islands. Its strategic distances from other ports make it an important platform for trade: 44 nautical miles north to Su'ao Port, 90 nautical miles to Keelung Port, 80 nautical miles south to Taitung in eastern Taiwan, and 200 nautical miles to Kaohsiung Port.
Port Facilities and Operations
The port features a unique structure extending from the coastal wall, with two nearly connected breakwaters forming distinct inner and outer harbor areas. While the inner harbor covers a relatively small water area of about 10 hectares, its design maximizes space efficiency. Ships enter from the southwest through an 80-meter-wide channel with a depth of 9.1 meters.
Since the 1930s, the port has maintained 16 berths with depths ranging from 7 to 10 meters, specifically designed for handling various types of cargo to meet transportation demands.
In the late 1970s, Hualien Port began expanding its outer harbor to accommodate growing shipping needs. By 1982, newly constructed outer harbor docks and breakwaters were operational, adding 9 berths with depths of 12 to 16 meters dedicated to general cargo and container handling. This expansion boosted the port's throughput from 3.4 million tons in 1980 to 5.6 million tons by 1989. Despite recent slight declines due to hinterland limitations, Hualien Port continues to enhance its service quality and operational efficiency.
Climate Challenges and Adaptations
Situated in the western Pacific, Hualien Port faces operational challenges from typhoons between June and September each year. With tidal variations reaching 2.2 meters during high tide and dropping to 0.6 meters at low tide, these climatic conditions demand high adaptability and effective management from port authorities.
Conclusion
With its strategic location and well-developed facilities, Hualien Port serves as a vital link between Taiwan and international markets. Despite environmental challenges, continuous expansion and improvements have maintained its operational excellence. Hualien represents not just breathtaking natural landscapes but also a dynamic hub for maritime trade.
