Partnership between Port of Dover and Keelung Harbour

This week, in Taiwan, the Port of Dover and Keelung Harbour signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop closer collaboration on port management in order to enhance relations between the UK and Taiwan in marine and logistics industries. It will also enable the two major ports to share experience on port operation, safety and security and port planning.

Keelung Harbour, established in 1886, a natural port with 0.73 meter tidal range has international experience in delivering cargo and passenger services. When seeking to develop and expand its port operations and services it looked to the Port of Dover which offers a wide range of expertise in the areas of master planning, ferry and cruise service development skills and technical training as well as environmental management and health and safety systems.

Dr Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive of Port of Dover, said: "This MOU is not just about facilitating trade and links between the UK and Taiwan. The main purpose is to allow our two vibrant ports to build a long term relationship and cooperation. I am sure that this Memorandum of Understanding will enhance ties between Taiwan and the UK in the area of maritime transportation and logistics and will help our Ports to further expand their expertise."

In order to boost economic growth, the Taiwanese are now focusing on the first stage of master planning, by continuously improving and upgrading infrastructure and systems, as well as developing technology and specifically the ports and airport knowledge and skills base. New business, both freight and cruise, is a priority. Cooperating with Keelung City Government, Keelung Harbour is working on a large-scale urban renewal project which will have a great impact on the local area. This new relationship will help both ports develop their port management and marine environmental planning, as well as strengthen the strong commercial and cultural ties between the UK and Taiwan.

David Campbell, Director of the British Trade & Cultural Office, said at the MOU signing ceremony: "We are following with close interest the continuing ports reform in Taiwan, including the port authority reorganisation. These reforms offer an opportunity to reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness. With the UK's long experience in port reform, I believe that the Port of Dover is strongly placed to assist you in making a success of this new restructuring."