The Legislature on Thursday passed the third reading of a bill to establish a national ocean technology operations center. It aims to strengthen Taiwan’s ocean technology capabilities and improve data collection on surrounding waters.
The center will be responsible for eight major functions including marine research and development, talent cultivation, underwater cultural heritage surveys, and international cooperation. The third reading of the article stipulates that the center will operate under the Ocean Affairs Council and manage national ocean survey vessels, a ship model testing facility, and other maritime research infrastructure. Staff will undergo security screenings based on the level of confidentiality involved in their work.
The bill, which was approved with bipartisan support, authorizes a board of 11 to 15 directors and supervisors, all serving unpaid three-year terms. The Ocean Affairs Council will nominate one person from the board of directors who the Cabinet will appoint as a chairperson. Preparations for the center are underway despite tight resources, with key survey ships expected to be completed by late 2026 and the ship model lab set for completion by 2027.