After operating independently for a year last year, Kaohsiung Harbor Shipping Company saw a revenue increase of over NT$6 million from the "Love Boat" cruises, along with a noticeable rise in harbor sightseeing cruise services. This has significantly boosted the company’s confidence. This year, it plans to collaborate with travel agencies and F&B businesses to expand its offerings, including developing maritime parties, outdoor marine educational charters, and sightseeing services.
Lin Kunshan, general manager of Kaohsiung Harbor Shipping Company, stated that ferry services fall under public transportation policy, and losses are expected. However, in terms of tourism services—such as the river “Love Boat” cruises and harbor sightseeing cruises—there has been growth. Therefore, harbor and river sightseeing have been confirmed as key future development directions.
For harbor sightseeing, there are two cruise ships, the True Love and the Glory. The shipping company has been in contact with travel agencies and F&B operators to discuss future collaborations on harbor cruises and maritime party packages. The current plan includes one scheduled trip at noon and one in the evening. Each cruise can accommodate 150 tourists, with routes running from Pier 1 to Pier 2. Each trip lasts about two hours, and it is estimated that this could generate an additional NT$20 million or more in revenue for the company.
The "Love Boat" river sightseeing cruise has already gained popularity and become one of the must-do activities for visitors to Kaohsiung. If its operational performance earns the approval of the city council, the shipping company plans to purchase additional "Love Boats" to further expand river sightseeing operations.
In addition, with over 400 elementary schools in Kaohsiung, there is significant potential in developing outdoor marine education programs. Schools that charter a cruise for harbor-based field trips will receive a 30% discount on the cruise fare.