Keelung City is a major port city located on the north-eastern coast of Taiwan, close to the capital, Taipei. Positioned at the northernmost tip of the island, it is surrounded by New Taipei City on three sides and faces the Pacific Ocean.

Plans for the site include marina berths, vessel maintenance facilities and dry-dock services. A hotel with around 200 rooms is also planned, alongside commercial space measuring about approximately 9,917-square-metres. More than 500 jobs are expected to be created during construction and operation.

Keelung mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang represented the city government at the signing ceremony, together with Hou You-lin, chairman of the Argo Yacht Club. Also present were officials from the Ministry of Finance’s Bureau of National Properties, along with central and local representatives and figures from industry and academia.

The city government will continue working with central agencies and private partners as the project moves forward, Mayor Kuo-liang said, describing the marina development as a key point in Keelung’s industrial development.

Public access is included in the marina’s plans, with waterfront areas set aside for residents and visitors to use as part of the city’s public space.

Northern Taiwan has “lacked a multifunctional leisure yacht harbour” of this scale, according to Tseng Kuo-chi, director-general of the Bureau of National Properties at the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Tseng Kuo-chi noted that while Bisha Fishing Port previously supported yachting activity, the scale and positioning of the Badouzi marina represent a different stage of development. He added that the project may link with the northeast coast tourist area and contribute to Taiwan’s broader port network.

Hou You-lin said the Badouzi marina will be part of a network of six ports across Taiwan, linking Keelung with Kaohsiung, Tainan, Penghu, Taichung and Taipei. He said the agreement allows for more continuous yacht operations along the coast.

From the city’s industrial perspective, Tsai Fu-lin, director of the Keelung City Government’s Industrial Development Department, said the project is expected to connect local fisheries organisations, National Taiwan Ocean University and tourism routes along the north coast. She said it is anticipated to support fisheries transformation, marine education and research, as well as related sectors including catering, accommodation, transport, construction and services.

Speaking for the developer, Ji Lin, general manager of Asia Ocean Co Ltd, said the marina will provide both water and onshore facilities, including areas for vessel servicing. He added that work will continue with the city government on transport access and improvements to the surrounding environment as development progresses.

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