First “MIT” Cargo-Passenger Ship: The “Donghai Pearl” Launched in the East China Sea off Matsu

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The cargo-passenger ship “Donghai Pearl,” commissioned by Lienchiang County Government from a shipbuilding company, was launched today in Yilan. It will primarily serve routes between Nangan and Juguang in Matsu, offering improved stability and comfort. In 2012 (Republic of China Year 101), with the aim of providing Matsu residents and tourists with more comfortable sea transportation between Nangan and Juguang, Magistrate Yang Sui-sheng secured a central government subsidy of NT$160 million. He then commissioned Longde Shipyard in Su’ao, Yilan, to build the “Donghai Pearl,” a vessel with a total tonnage of approximately 350 tons. A launching ceremony was held around noon.



▲ The Matsu cargo-passenger ship “Donghai Pearl.” (Photo / Provided by Chen Gui-zhong)

Yang Sui-sheng said that for a long time, transportation for residents of Juguang to Nangan has been inconvenient, relying solely on the county government’s chartered passenger ship “Mazu Star.” However, the “Mazu Star” is mainly designed for passengers and has limited space for cargo. Once the “Donghai Pearl” begins formal operations, it will be able to carry 190 passengers as well as more cargo, and will also be capable of transporting vehicles. In addition, the “Donghai Pearl” is specially equipped with stabilizers to effectively reduce ship rocking, ensuring greater stability and comfort. It is a vessel specifically designed for the people and tourists of Juguang.

Liu Run-nan, Director of the Lienchiang County Transportation Bureau, said the “Donghai Pearl” is approximately 40 meters long and 8.2 meters wide. In addition to carrying 190 passengers and more cargo, it can also transport one vehicle and ten motorcycles. This reduces reliance on cargo ships, which only make a few trips per month, making supply deliveries more convenient. He noted that the county government’s transportation contract with the operator of the “Mazu Star” expires next March. The “Donghai Pearl” can be handed over to the county government in a few weeks and could begin public-private operation as early as the beginning of next year. Whether it will enhance maritime transport capacity or increase the frequency of sailings together with the “Mazu Star” will be decided at a later date. In addition, aside from primarily serving the Nangan-Juguang route, if sea conditions prevent the “Tai-Ma Ferry” from operating between Taiwan, Dongyin, and Nangan, the “Donghai Pearl” will support transport between Dongyin and Nangan. It may also be used for small-scale cross-strait transport between Matsu and Fuzhou Mawei in Fujian, China. (News source: Central News Agency)