Tainan holds first marine tech and drone expo to strengthen trusted supply chains

Tainan City hosted the first “Taiwan Ocean Technology and Unmanned Vehicle Exhibition” from November 3 to 5 of this year. This exhibition, themed around ocean technology and unmanned vehicles, was held in Tainan for the first time, preceded by a dynamic demonstration in Anping District on November 2. The event was organized by the Underwater Noise Association. At the opening ceremony, Association President Chien Hsiang-chih stated that the core objective of the exhibition is to foster the intersection of policy and industry, thereby connecting companies from the United States and its allies to further strengthen Taiwan’s position in trusted supply chains. The exhibition attracted numerous domestic and international companies, covering fields such as seabed exploration, ocean energy, maritime unmanned aerial vehicles, and related data analysis and artificial intelligence technologies.

The strategic significance of ocean technology and unmanned vehicles in Taiwan is self-evident. Surrounded by the sea on all four sides, Taiwan has a maritime area of approximately 350,000 square kilometers, rich in marine resources, the majority of which are located in deep-sea zones. This creates a high demand for seabed resource development, subsea pipeline monitoring, and marine environmental protection. However, traditional seabed operations are often costly and high-risk, with complexities increasing in deep-sea environments. In recent years, with the maturation of unmanned vehicle technology, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) have become essential tools for seabed exploration and monitoring. Several companies in Taiwan have invested in research and development in this field and achieved certain technological breakthroughs, yet they still face challenges such as supply chain fragmentation and shortages of core components. This exhibition aims to help companies find partners, optimize supply chain structures, and demonstrate technical capabilities through actual demonstrations to attract international investment and technology exchange.

The selection of Anping for the dynamic demonstration also carries symbolic significance. Anping Port, a historically significant harbor in Tainan, is closely linked to Taiwan’s coastline, making it an ideal venue for showcasing marine technology. During the demonstration, exhibiting companies showcased various real-world operational scenarios of ROVs, including underwater photography, structural inspection, and environmental data collection. Audiences could observe the performance of unmanned vehicles at different depths and under varying water quality conditions, and engage in interactive discussions with experts. This on-site demonstration not only enhanced audience engagement but also provided potential clients and partners with a more intuitive understanding of the feasibility and reliability of the technologies.

From a policy perspective, the Taiwan government has placed high importance on the marine economy and security in recent years. The “Marine Economic Development Act” was officially enacted in 2021, designating the ocean as a key national development strategy. The government has also highlighted “Marine Technological Innovation” as a priority in its “Marine Economic Development Plan,” encouraging companies to increase research and development investment and expand international cooperation. This exhibition serves as a concrete implementation of this policy direction, creating an interactive platform between industry and government agencies by bringing them together. In his speech, Chien Hsiang-chih noted that the exhibition will help companies understand relevant government subsidies and policy advantages, and provide one-on-one policy consulting services to facilitate faster technology transfer and commercialization.

In terms of international cooperation, Taiwan’s needs and potential in the field of ocean technology have attracted attention from multiple U.S. and allied companies. The United States possesses a mature research and development system and market for unmanned vehicle technology, with many U.S. companies having established research centers or partnerships in Taiwan. Through this exhibition, Taiwanese companies were able to directly access U.S. technical standards and supply chain resources, and explore the joint development of new products. In addition to the United States, companies from Europe, Australia, and other nations also participated, showcasing various innovative marine monitoring and energy technologies. The participation of these international exhibitors has further enhanced the international visibility of Taiwan’s marine technology industry and provided substantive opportunities for Taiwanese companies to expand into overseas markets.

Regarding Taiwan’s marine security and national defense, the development of unmanned vehicles also holds strategic significance. The need for security monitoring of Taiwan’s coastline and adjacent waters is increasing, and unmanned vehicles can conduct continuous monitoring, search and rescue, and detection in high-risk areas, reducing the risk of exposure for personnel. The government has included unmanned vehicles in its national defense research and development priorities and is collaborating with the Navy to conduct field tests and applications. The exhibition also featured demonstrations of military unmanned vehicles, fostering closer technical exchange between the civilian and military sectors. This cross-departmental cooperation model helps accelerate the transition of technology from the laboratory to practical combat use, enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities in the maritime security domain.

In summary, the first Taiwan Ocean Technology and Unmanned Vehicle Exhibition is not merely a technology showcase but a platform where Taiwan’s marine industry intersects with policy, international cooperation, and national defense security. Through actual demonstrations and policy consulting, the exhibition has provided Taiwanese companies with broader market opportunities and technical support, while also allowing international partners to witness Taiwan’s potential and capabilities in the field of ocean technology. In the future, with the continued expansion of Taiwan’s marine economy and the deepening of international cooperation, unmanned vehicle technology is expected to play an even larger role in areas such as seabed resource development, environmental monitoring, and maritime security, providing a solid technical foundation for Taiwan’s economic development and national security. (Source: Central News Agency)