In the wave of globalization, ports with strategic locations and advanced facilities have become vital engines for economic and trade development. Taipei Port, as an emerging international commercial port in northern Taiwan, is gradually coming to prominence due to its superior conditions and significant growth potential.
Located in Bali District of New Taipei City, Taipei Port was originally planned as Tamsui New Port to supplement the functions of Keelung Port. However, its expanding scale and operational efficiency have transformed it into northern Taiwan's largest container terminal. Since 2003, three major shipping companies—Evergreen Marine, Wan Hai Lines, and Yang Ming Marine Transport—have signed 50-year BOT operation agreements with the government, enabling Taipei Port to gradually replace Keelung Port as the region's cargo transportation core. In 2013, the port further enhanced its international trade capabilities by obtaining Free Trade Port Zone status.
Strategic Geographic Advantages
Situated on the western side of the Tamsui River estuary overlooking the Taiwan Strait, Taipei Port benefits from natural protection against waves thanks to Guanyin Mountain to its south. Its strategic position—34 nautical miles from Keelung Port, 87 nautical miles from Taichung Port to the south, and 134 nautical miles from Fuzhou Port in China's Fujian Province to the west—has established it as a crucial maritime hub in the Taiwan Strait region.
Since 1999 when the Ministry of Transportation approved its development, Taipei Port has grown to cover a total area of 3,102 hectares (1,038 hectares of land and 2,064 hectares of water), making it five times larger than Keelung Port. The artificial harbor currently features a depth of 9 meters, with future plans to expand to 16 meters to accommodate larger cargo vessels.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
The port currently operates 24 berths, including East Wharf (E1-E20) and North Wharf (N2-N5), providing comprehensive facilities for international shipping. Land transportation networks have been significantly enhanced with Provincial Highway No. 15 and the Taipei Port Second Access Road (Provincial Highway No. 61A) connecting the port to Taiwan's east-west expressway system.
Future development plans include the construction of Tamsui Bridge to create seamless connectivity between the port, Tamsui urban area, and the Northern Coastal Highway. These infrastructure projects not only improve port logistics efficiency but also effectively stimulate regional economic growth. As a modern international commercial port, Taipei Port is playing an increasingly important role in Taiwan's trade and economic prosperity.
