Keelung Port's Strategies in Coping with Taipei Port's Competition in Container Terminal Operation

Abstract

Keelung Port will face keen competition from Taipei Port, of which 7 container wharves will be completed and commence operation as from 2008. This article estimates that about 150,000 TEU containers will be shifted from Keelung Port to Taipei Port in 2008, and gradually increase to 600,000 TEU in 2014 when the 7 container wharves are wholly completed. Based on the interviews with the high level officials of three main Taiwan shipping lines and two major freight forwarders, this article provides suggestions to Keelung Port, including development of free trade zones, marketing measures, improvement of infrastructures, reform of organization and operation systems, and reduction of costs. These measures aim to upgrade Keelung Port competitiveness and meet its customers? demand of providing value-added services.