December 20, 2013
Ports of The World: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung City is the second-most populous city in Taiwan and a hub for industry and transport. Taiwan High Speed Rail connects Kaohsiung to Taipei, passing between mountain ranges in the east and flat plains in the west.
Known as the "Harbour Capital" of Taiwan, Kaohsiung is also well-known internationally for its port. With five terminals, the Port of Kaohsiung is the largest in Taiwan and one of the busiest container ports in the world.
Originally a natural lagoon, the port has been continually developed since the 16th Century. After the construction of a second entrance in 1975, the port today has two entrances such that the harbour lies beautifully between an island and the shore of the mainland. The Love River flows for 12km through downtown Kaohsiung and into the harbour.
With over 100 ships arriving every day, it is a real treat to see. From the top of the Tuntex Sky Tower you can see the whole harbour. Designed to look like the Chinese character "Kao" (as in Kaohsiung and meaning "tall"), with the Splendor Hotel at the top, it is Kaohsiung's tallest skyscraper, so the view is great. Kaohsiung is one of my favourite ports and I am proud that our green Ferryl drums are regularly delivered from this fantastic port.
