Tokyo: A maritime internship vessel commissioned by Taiwan's Ministry of Education (MOE) docked in Tokyo Harbor on Monday, marking a significant milestone in maritime exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. This achievement was lauded by Taiwan's representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang, highlighting the importance of this event in fostering educational collaboration between the two nations.
According to Focus Taiwan, the ship, named the Wind Rider, was constructed by Taiwanese shipbuilder CSBC Corp. with the purpose of providing hands-on training to Taiwanese students pursuing maritime-related studies. The vessel embarked on its maiden voyage from Kaohsiung on February 26, offering students practical experience in various maritime operations.
During a gathering inside the ship's auditorium, Lee commended the efforts of both the students and teachers involved in the five-day journey. Lee emphasized the significance of the Wind Rider's inaugural trip being to Japan, signifying a new era for Taiwan's maritime education and marking a new milestone in the maritime relationship between Taiwan and Japan.
Lee further noted that the 9,680-tonne ship, which cost NT$1.65 billion (US$50 million) to build, is equipped with advanced technology that allows it to cover longer distances and offer more comprehensive training for Taiwanese youth aspiring to maritime careers. This vessel is the third of its kind built by Taiwan, following two earlier models with more limited capabilities.
MOE Secretary General Lin Po-chiao, present at the event, discussed the potential for future bilateral exchanges on maritime education between Taiwan and Japan. He also outlined upcoming plans for the Wind Rider, which will spend two days in Japan before returning to Kaohsiung Harbor. Upon its return, the vessel will embark on a second voyage with 195 vocational high school students, who will train using three bridge simulators.
Lin mentioned that nine additional trips are scheduled for the Wind Rider this year, with the expectation that the internship experience will continue to improve over time.