The navy has formally taken delivery of a new locally designed supply vessel.
Defense Minister Yen Ming co-hosted the delivery ceremony in the southern port city of Kaohsiung on Friday. The vessel was built by local shipbuilder CSBC Corp.
Yen said that once the vessel enters into service, it will enhance Taiwan’s maritime combat capabilities and its ability to provide international humanitarian assistance.
Yen also said he hopes that the Kaohsiung-based CSBC, the largest shipbuilding company in Taiwan, will continue to work with the navy. The navy is working to modernize its fleet and become more self-reliant in procuring weapons systems and equipment.
The new vessel, named Panshih, will be used to transport fuel, ammunition, and other supplies to support warships in wartime. In peacetime, it will be used mainly to carry supplies, conduct maritime rescue missions, and provide humanitarian assistance.