Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Port Overview

Kaohsiung is located in southern Taiwan on the southwest coast facing the Taiwan Strait. It is the country’s largest port city and ranks as Taiwan’s third most populous city, with a population of about 2.7 million. The Port of Kaohsiung is the busiest and largest in Taiwan, serving as a strategic gateway for over two-thirds of the nation’s container throughput. Its annual container capacity exceeds 10 million TEU, making it a vital hub for international trade and maritime logistics in East Asia.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Kaohsiung Port features major container terminals, bulk cargo berths, and a state-of-the-art cruise terminal. Key facilities include deepwater berths for containers, bulk, and liquid cargo, advanced container yards, and shipyard services. The port is equipped with modern gantry cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and specialized handling equipment to support efficient cargo operations. Its cruise terminal accommodates large vessels and integrates passenger services with city transport links.

Container Terminals

Kaohsiung Port features seven main container terminals with over 20 dedicated container berths. Its annual handling capacity exceeds 10 million TEU, with Terminal 7 alone adding 6.5 million TEU capacity. Terminal 7 is fully automated, equipped with unmanned vehicles, remote control, IoT, and AI systems. Major operators include Evergreen Marine and Taiwan International Ports Corporation. Ongoing upgrades are enhancing depth, equipment, and automation across other terminals.

Port Services

The main services at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, include:

• Container Handling: Major container transshipment hub.
• Cargo Operations: Bulk cargo import and export.
• Ship Services: Shipbuilding and repair facilities.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities within the free trade zone.
• Customs: Efficient customs clearance processes.

Global Connectivity

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest port and a major Asia-Pacific transshipment hub, offering direct connections to over 130 global shipping routes and more than 300 ports across five continents. It serves key regions including Northeast and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, South Korea, and links to Europe and the Americas. The port’s advanced container terminals and strategic location enable efficient access to major markets worldwide.

Port Statistics

Kaohsiung Port Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput: Kaohsiung handled approximately 6 million TEU in the first eight months of 2025.
• World Ranking: Historically ranked among the top 15 global container ports, though recent rankings fluctuate due to regional competition.
• Number of Berths: 39 berths across 9 terminals.
• Area: The port spans a large, multi-district waterfront in southern Taiwan, with extensive facilities for container, bulk, and passenger operations.
• Shipping Lines: Major global carriers such as Evergreen, Wan Hai, and ONE regularly call at Kaohsiung, leveraging its strategic transshipment role in East Asia.

Kaohsiung remains Taiwan’s largest and busiest port, a critical hub for both regional and international maritime trade.