September 08, 2008

Taiwan ends ban on direct shipping to China

Port World reported that Taiwan's President elect Ma Ying-Jeou has confirmed that seven ports are to be allowed to develop direct transport links with China, signaling an end to a 5 decade ban on direct shipping with China.

The ports are Keelung, Taipei harbour in Taipei County, Taichung, Pudai harbour in Chiayi County, Anping harbour in Tainan County, Kaohsiung and Hualien.

As per a report in China Post, 6 of the ports are ready to start direct services. Authorities of all the seven ports, except those at Pudai harbor, have indicated completion of preparation for the new services.

Analysts said that Taiwan's busiest port, Kaohsiung, could benefit from the new policy. Major shipping lines have been canceling calls at Kaohsiung, preferring to reach Chinese ports directly and employ feeder services to transship containers from Kaohsiung.