Taichung port, one of the Republic of China's Ten Major Construction Projects, formally opened to shipping at 3:30 p.m., October 31. The decision to build Taichung port was made by the late President Chiang Kai-shek. The first phase of construction began on October 31, 1973, as an 87th birthday salute to President Chiang. Through concerted efforts of engineers and all other personnel, this phase of the man-made port built on the sand beach was completed on schedule and dedicated on the late President's 90th birthday anniversary. It was hailed as proof that "Human effort can achieve anything" and "Man's determination will conquer nature." Premier Chiang Ching-kuo said that the achievement was a combination of wisdom, effort and sense of responsibility. A citation has been conferred on the Taichung Port Administration for its performance.
To keep up with the rapid growth of foreign trade and relieve the serious congestion at Keelung and Kaohsiung harbors, the government decided to build this new international port at Wuchi, near Taichung. The main purpose of the Taichung port is for commercial use. However, a large amount of dredged sand was discharged for land reclamation, and space to develop waterfront industries. It also serves as a base for deep-sea and inshore fisheries, so Taichung port is a combination of commerce, industry and fisheries. The port area extends from the south bank of Tachia River to the north bank of Tatu River, with a harbor boulevard on the east side and the Taiwan Straits to the westward. The total area is about 3,970 hectares (9,925 acres).
The construction program of Taichung port was divided into two ten-year plans due to its tremendous scope. The first ten-year plan is proceeding in three stages, and is scheduled to be completed by 1982. There will be 32 berths and an accommodation capacity of 12,000,000 tons of cargo annually. The completed stage has seven berths and capacity of 2,800,000 tons. More than 2,000 workers of the Retired Servicemen's Engineering Agency participated in its construction. Their tireless efforts made the achievement possible and won them the praise of their country. The second stage is now under way and will be completed in October of 1979. By that time, the berths will be increased to 17 and the capacity raised to 6,400,000 tons. Most goods in central Taiwan can be transported without delay.
Opening ceremony of Taichung port
Arch for the opening ceremony
Bird's eye view of port areas
Freighter entering the harbor
Loading equipment of a Warehouse
Bird's eye view of six small speed boats circling the entrance channel
Tetrapods of south breakwater
