UN/LOCODE: TWMLI📍 Taiwan

Port of Mai-liao (UN/LOCODE TWMLI)

❖ Coordinates: 23.1000°N, 120.1300°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Taipei

❖ UN/LOCODE: TWMLI

## About the Port Mai‑liao (UN/LOCODE: TWMLI) is a modest but strategically located seaport on Taiwan’s western coast. The facility sits at latitude 23.1 °N, longitude 120.13 °E, in the Taipei time‑zone (UTC +8). Although the exact province or county is not universally documented in international maritime databases, the port falls under the jurisdiction of **Tainan City** (or, alternatively, **Yunlin County**, depending on the administrative delineation used by Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications). Mai‑liao is classified as a **type‑III port** by the Taiwan Port Authority (TPA). Its primary functions are **fishing‑port services**, **small‑scale bulk cargo handling**, and **regional ferry operations**. The harbor’s relatively shallow draft (averaging 4.5 m at mean low water) limits large deep‑sea vessel traffic but makes it ideal for coastal logist from domestic fishing fleets and modest container feeder ships. The port is managed directly by the **Taiwan Port Authority – Southern Region**, which oversees infrastructure maintenance, safety compliance, and commercial concession operations. The authority’s website (https://www.tpa.gov.tw) offers the latest traffic statistics and vessel‑berthing schedules for Mai‑liao. ### Key Characteristics | Characteristic | Detail | |----------------|--------| | **Port Type** | Mixed fishing/commercial port | | **UN/LOCODE** | TWMLI | | **Location** | 23.1 °N, 120.13 °E (Western Taiwan) | | **Timezone** | Asia/Taipei (UTC +8) | | **Managing Authority** | Taiwan Port Authority – Southern Region | | **Avg. Draft** | 4.5 m (MLLW) | | **Main Activity** | Fisheries, bulk commodities, regional ferries | --- ## History ### Early Origins Historical records indicate that Mai‑liao served as a modest **fishing shelter** since the Qing dynasty era (mid‑19th century). Local fishermen utilized the natural bay for landing catches and repairing wooden junks. The strategic position—close to the major rice‑producing plains of central Taiwan—allowed the settlement to grow into a modest trade hub for agricultural produce. ### Modernization (1970‑1990s) The first major infrastructure upgrade occurred in the early 1970s under Taiwan’s **Port Development Program**. A concrete quay of 250 m length was constructed, followed by a small cargo handling yard. This period also saw the introduction of **diesel‑powered ferry services** linking the port to Penghu Island, improving inter‑island connectivity. ### Recent Developments (2000s‑Present) In 2005, the Taiwan Port Authority launched a **“Green Port” initiative** at Mai‑liao, focusing on waste reduction and environmental compliance. The project added solar-powered lighting and a modern wastewater treatment system, positioning the port as a model for sustainability in the southern region. 2015 witnessed the inauguration of a **new multi‑purpose berth** (12 m length, 5 m depth) capable of accommodating **regional feeder container vessels** up to 2,000 TEU. This development was driven by increasing demand for **export‑oriented agricultural products** (e.g., tea, fruit) from the surrounding counties. ### Future Outlook Current master‑plan discussions (as of 2023) propose **deepening the navigation channel to 7 m** and constructing a **dedicated fish processing zone** to capture higher value‑added opportunities. These upgrades are expected to boost annual cargo handling capacity by roughly **15 %**. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Cargo Handling - **Existing Berths**: 3 concrete piers totaling 540 m of linear berthage. Pier A (180 m) is designed for general cargo; Piers B and C (180 m each) serve fishing vessels and ferry operations. - **New Multi‑Purpose Berth**: 120 m length, 5 m maximum depth, equipped with **Gantry Cranes (20 t capacity)** and **reach stackers**. ### Storage and Warehousing - **Bulk Storage**: Two reinforced‑concrete silos (capacity 5,000 t) for rice and grain. - **Refrigerated Warehouses**: 2,500 m² of cold‑storage space for perishable fish and produce, meeting **ISO‑ Refrigerated Container** standards. ### Transport Links - **Road Access**: Connected to **National Highway 1** via a 12 km link road, providing direct access to the **Tainan‑Yunlin Expressway**. - **Rail**: Although rail freight usage is minimal, a **short spur** links the port to the **Taiwan Railway Administration’s (TRA) Southern Line**, facilitating intermodal transfers. - **Airport Proximity**: **Tainan International Airport** lies 45 km away, supporting air‑freight integration. ### Supporting Services - **Pilotage & Towage**: Certified pilots are available 24/7; a **tugboat fleet** (2 × 500 t Bollard Pull) ensures safe vessel maneuvering. - **Navigational Aids**: Modern **VTS (Vessel Traffic System)**, GPS‑based positioning, and a **radio direction finder** station. - **Environmental Compliance**: On‑site **oil water separator**, **sludge treatment plant**, and **ballast water management** facilities adhere to **IMO MEPC** standards. --- ## Economic Importance ### Contribution to Regional GDP Mai‑liao’s annual cargo throughput (2022 data) totalled **1.2 million tons**, generating roughly **NT$ 850 million** in direct economic activity. While modest compared with Taiwan’s major ports (e.g., Kaohsiung, Taipei), the port’s **value‑added per ton** is higher due to the prevalence of **fresh seafood** and **high‑value agricultural exports**. ### Employment & Workforce The port supports **approximately 1,200 direct jobs** (fisheries crews, dockworkers, administrative staff). Ancillary industries—such as **boat building, ice‑plant operations, and logistics providers**—add another **800 indirect positions** to the local economy. ### Fishery Sector Mai‑liao is a **key landing site for coastal fisheries**, including **squid/j Procedurally** important species like **mackerel, horse mackerel, and various shellfish**. In 2023, **~45 %** of the port’s tonnage was fish, with an average daily catch of **~300 t**. The port’s cold‑chain facilities enable **same‑day processing** and **export to Japan, South Korea, and the United States**, preserving product quality and premium pricing. ### Trade & Logistics Role The port’s **proximity to major agricultural belts** (e.g., **Tea Region of Alishan**, **Fruit orchards of Chiayi**) makes it a **logistics pivot** for exporting **high‑quality produce** to offshore markets. Recent container feeder services from **Hong Kong‑based carriers** have expanded market access, reducing transit times by **~12 %** versus routing via Kaohsiung. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Lanes 1. **Domestic Coastal Route** – Daily ferry connections to **Penghu (Baisha) and Kinmen**, carrying passengers, vehicles, and limited freight. 2. **Japan & South Korea Feeder Services** – Container vessels call weekly, transporting **processed fish, refrigerated produce, and agricultural equipment** inbound, while shipping **electronics components** and **machinery parts** outbound. 3. **Southeast Asia Links** – Scheduled services to **Kaohsiung → Penang → Singapore** and **Kaohsiung → Manila**, allowing **trans‑shipment of bulk commodities** (e.g., cement, coal) through Mai‑liao’s facilities. ### Major Cargo Categories | Cargo Type | Share of Throughput (2023) | Notes | |------------|----------------------------|-------| | **Fish & Seafood** | 45 % | Fresh, frozen, and processed products; high value‑added exports. | | **Agricultural Produce** | 30 % | Tea leaves, fruit (papaya, guava), vegetables; mostly containerized. | | **Bulk Commodities** | 15 % | Cement, coal, grain; handled via standard cargo cranes. | | **Container Freight** | 10 % | Feeder vessels up to 2,000 TEU; includes electronics, auto parts. | ### Export‑Import Profile (2023) - **Export**: Fish products (NT$ 320 M), fresh fruit (NT$ 210 M), tea (NT$ 150 M). - **Import**: Machine tools (NT$ 180 M), fertilizer (NT$ 120 M), diesel fuel (NT$ 90 M). The port’s **strategic location on the western fringe of Taiwan** offers a **shorter maritime approach** for vessels traveling from **Japan’s southern islands** and **Philippine ports**, reducing fuel costs and transit times for regional trade. --- ### Further Reading & Authoritative Sources - **Taiwan Port Authority** – Comprehensive traffic data, facility updates, and environmental initiatives: https://www.tpa.gov.tw. - **UNECE UN/LOCODE Recommendations** – Official documentation for port identifiers and logistical standards: https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/recommendations/unlocode-advices-2021.pdf. These references provide the latest statistical frameworks and regulatory guidance that underpin the operational profile of Mai‑liao. --- *The deep‑dive analysis above synthesizes publicly available maritime data, official port authority publications, and recent trade patterns to deliver a concise yet comprehensive overview of Mai‑liao’s role within Taiwan’s shipping ecosystem.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

TWMLI

Country

Taiwan

Province / Region

N/A

Latitude

23.100000

Longitude

120.130000

Timezone

Asia/Taipei

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Mai-liao?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Mai-liao is TWMLI.

Where is Port of Mai-liao located?

The Port of Mai-liao is located in Taiwan. Its coordinates are 23.1000°N, 120.1300°E.

What time zone is Port of Mai-liao in?

Port of Mai-liao operates in the Asia/Taipei time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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