MATSU

• TWMFK
• Latitude: 26.1615
• Longitude: 119.941
• South China
• Port in Taiwan

Location: Taiwan

MATSU (also known as Matsu Islands or Mazu Islands) refers to an archipelago of 36 islands and islets in the East China Sea, administered as Lienchiang County under the Republic of China (Taiwan). The islands are known for their strategic military significance and scenic beauty, rather than their role as major commercial ports like Kaohsiung or Keelung. However, they do have functional ports that cater to local needs, fishing, and limited commerce.

Here's an overview of the ports in the Matsu Islands:

Major Ports in Matsu:

1. Nangan (南竿) Port:

   • Location: Nangan Island, the largest island in the Matsu archipelago.
   • Facilities: The primary harbor facilities cater to passenger ferries connecting Matsu with the main island of Taiwan (Keelung) and other parts of the archipelago. It also handles small cargo shipments, local fishing vessels, and some tourism-related activities.
   • Services: Passenger ferry services, cargo handling, and fishing industry support.
   • Infrastructure: Basic maritime infrastructure with docking facilities for ferries and smaller vessels. Limited warehousing and storage.

2. Beigan (北竿) Port:

   • Location: Beigan Island, one of the main islands in the group.
   • Facilities: Smaller than Nangan, Beigan Port supports local needs with ferry connections and fishing.
   • Services: Primarily serves local passengers and cargo, along with support for the fishing industry.
   • Infrastructure: Basic docking facilities, suitable for smaller vessels.

3. Dongyin (東引) Port:

   • Location: Dongyin Island, the northernmost of the Matsu Islands.
   • Facilities: A smaller port mainly for local transport and fishing.
   • Services: Local ferry services, fishing, and some cargo handling.
   • Infrastructure: Limited facilities appropriate for small-scale operations.

Overall Specifications and Characteristics:

• Type of Port: Small-scale local ports, primarily supporting passenger and small cargo ferries, fishing, and tourism.
• Operational Depth: Suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Berths and Docking: Generally limited in number and capacity, compared to major commercial ports.
• Key Services: Ferry transport, fishing industry support, minor cargo handling, and tourism-related activities.
• Geopolitical Importance: Strategically significant due to the proximity to Mainland China.
• Environmental Concerns: Marine conservation due to the islands' natural beauty and biodiversity.

Key Points for Visitors or Users:

• Ferry Connectivity: Regular ferry routes to and from Keelung, Taiwan, offer access to the islands.
• Tourism: Increasingly popular for its natural beauty, historical significance, and military relics.
• Climate: Sub-tropical with monsoon influence, potentially impacting maritime operations seasonally.
• Utilities and Support: Limited compared to larger ports; essential services are available but not extensive.

Development and Future Prospects:

• Efforts may be underway to enhance port facilities to support growing tourism and local economic development. However, significant commercial expansion remains unlikely due to the islands' geographical and strategic context.

In summary, the ports of Matsu are small and function primarily to serve local needs, including passenger ferry services and supporting the fishing industry, rather than handling large-scale commercial shipping.