Belle Shipping was founded by Mr. Lan Junf, Chairman of Wisdom Marine Lines, the largest domestic bulk cargo shipping company. In addition to operating a bulk fleet, the company has also entered the passenger ferry market. Last year, it ordered two of the latest high-speed passenger ferries from the renowned Australian shipyard Austal, with a passenger capacity of up to 552. The vessels are named RIKULAU (Clouded Leopard), representing Taiwan’s national treasure, and BLUE MAGPIE (Blue Magpie).
The first newly built high-speed passenger ferry, RIKULAU (Clouded Leopard), will return to Taiwan in mid-March this year, with its maiden voyage from Chiayi’s Bud
Mr. Lan Junf, Chairman of the company, in order to give back to his hometown and improve ferry transportation between Taiwan proper and Penghu, has leveraged the advantages of high-speed passenger ships. Blue Shipping has extended the original route, which only operated between Chiayi’s Budai Port and Penghu, northward to Taichung Port and southward to Kaohsiung Port, allowing travelers from northern, central, and southern Taiwan to choose the ferry terminal closest to them for their trip to Penghu. Additionally, Blue Shipping plans to deploy its second ship, scheduled for delivery in May, to expand services on the Su’ao to Hualien route in eastern Taiwan. This will provide the public with more diverse transportation options. The ultimate goal is to establish a safe and fast “blue highway” along Taiwan’s coastline.
Compared to the majority of previous sailings that departed from Chiayi’s Budai Port, Blue Austal passenger ferries offer consumers more choices when planning trips to Penghu—whether it’s for school graduation trips, corporate group charters, or even sea weddings presided over by the ship’s captain. These options not only enrich local tourism possibilities and combinations but also hold great potential for boosting regional tourism development. Blue Shipping will continue to strive to provide diversified travel services and expand Taiwan’s maritime tourism landscape.
Key Features of Blue Shipping High-Speed Passenger Ferries:- Two internationally certified high-speed passenger ferries with a capacity of 552 passengers each (Yunbao / Blue Magpie) will be successively deployed on Taiwan–Penghu routes starting from March 2019.
- The vessels are equipped with a T-FOIL electronic stabilization system, which significantly reduces seasickness for passengers during sea travel.
- Both the premium business class on the second floor and the economy class on the first floor are fitted with high-quality upholstered seats to ensure passenger comfort.
- Possess international high-speed passenger ferry certifications, along with high-standard crew safety training and certification programs.
- High vessel speed allows for flexible planning of various longer-distance routes.
- Currently planned Taiwan–Penghu routes include: Taichung, Chiayi, and Kaohsiung.
- Continuously planning new routes for Su’ao and Hualien.
- In the future, international routes such as those from Taiwan proper to Xiamen will also be gradually introduced.
About Blue Shipping:
Established in 2011 and dedicated to operating passenger ferry routes between Taiwan proper and Penghu, primarily covering western ports to Penghu. The company will take delivery of two new high-speed passenger ferries in 2019. Partners include Taiwan Wind Lion Travel Agency, Baishiduo Li Garden Hotel, and Wisdom Marine Lines Group.