Inside Taiwan’s shipping hub
Kaohsiung port terminal (TW)
Large container freight and passenger flows come together at Taiwan’s largest port terminal in Kaohsiung. The sophisticated architecture manages the balancing act between efficiency and safety.
At the south-western tip of Taiwan, the energy of global trade meets the rhythm of daily city life. Kaohsiung is home to Taiwan’s largest port, which handles 70 per cent of the nation’s shipping containers.
Thousands of passengers every hour
Beyond its impressive cargo operations, the port is also making waves in passenger transport. The facility, which spans an expansive 80,000 square metres, is designed to accommodate 2,100 to 3,500 passengers per hour, making it a key player in the region’s cruise industry.
Built in 2023, the Kaohsiung Port Terminal is both a landmark of the city of 2.7 million and a link between the maritime harbour and the vibrant city life.
An ocean liner ashore
The terminal’s striking design resembles the hull of a ship. The 15-storey office tower, which is modelled on a chimney, stands on two underground floors, creating a towering presence along the waterfront.
The innovative design is reminiscent of a large ocean liner and invites residents and visitors to engage with the port’s vibrant atmosphere: A continuous elevated public promenade leads pedestrians directly past the terminal.
Efficiency at all levels
The heart of the terminal is located below this public promenade: separate areas for cruise and ferry functions create safe passages for departures and arrivals and ensure efficient operations.
The terminal's roof drainage system is also designed with efficiency and safety in mind. In Kaohsiung's tropical climate, which is characterised by heavy rainfall from typhoons and monsoons, Geberit Pluvia efficiently drains large volumes of water from the roof, protecting against potential water damage.
Know-how Installed
The syphonic roof drainage system Geberit Pluvia uses pipes with small dimensions, which fill completely with water when it rains heavily. A closed water column thus forms in the pipe, which results in natural negative pressure and also ensures a high discharge rate.
