[Kaohsiung News]
To strengthen the response capacity for major maritime accidents and marine oil spill incidents in Kaohsiung Port, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and the Kaohsiung City Government jointly conducted the “2025 Kaohsiung Port Large Passenger Vessel Disaster Prevention Exercise” war game at 10:00 a.m. today (22) at the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal, demonstrating the emergency response mechanism and coordinated handling capacity between central and local authorities.
This war game comprised two major scenarios: “Maritime Rescue Response (including mass casualties)” and “Ship Oil Spill Response,” further divided into six exercise items and nine unexpected situations. The simulated scenario involved the passenger-cargo vessel PENGHU carrying approximately 200 passengers and 32 crew members returning from Magong, Penghu to Kaohsiung Port. While passing the VTS position at the First Harbor entrance of Kaohsiung Port, the vessel suffered an engine room fire and collided with the harbor shuttle ferry CHI FU No. 2, resulting in a major maritime accident. Kaohsiung Port authorities and the City Government immediately activated the cross-agency joint response mechanism.
During the exercise, upon receiving the report, the Kaohsiung City Government promptly established an Emergency Operations Center and a forward command post on-site to monitor disaster information and coordinate response efforts with central authorities. The Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau and Department of Health simultaneously activated the mass casualty triage mechanism. The Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government planned recommended evacuation routes for patient transport, ensuring the rapid transfer of the injured to hospitals, thereby significantly enhancing rescue efficiency.
In the oil spill response drill, the central government and Kaohsiung City’s Marine Bureau demonstrated the deployment and readiness of containment booms, sorbent booms, and other response equipment and supplies, successfully verifying the mechanisms for oil spill containment and cleanup.
This exercise encompassed multiple aspects, including firefighting, passenger rescue, mass casualty medical evacuation, and marine oil pollution response. It fully integrated the professional capacities of central and Kaohsiung City agencies, showcasing the effectiveness of cross-agency cooperation. The exercise also utilized comprehensive geospatial data presentations, war gaming tables, and other auxiliary tools to enhance the accuracy of scenario simulation and response validation, further demonstrating the port district’s overall emergency response capability.
The Kaohsiung City Government emphasized that this war game was successfully and smoothly completed through the close collaboration of central and local participating agencies. It not only validated the practicality of the response system but also reinforced the port’s disaster joint defense mechanism, enhancing harbor safety and public confidence. The City Government will continue to progressively strengthen disaster preparedness capabilities and work hand in hand with central authorities to safeguard maritime transportation safety, creating a sustainable and secure harbor living environment.
