Taiwan Introduces New Insurance Requirement for Ships Entering Its Ports
Starting October 15, Taiwan will implement a new inspection system for shipowner liability insurance, aiming to prevent high-risk vessels from entering its commercial ports.
According to the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPA), the regulation is designed to enhance maritime safety and reduce exposure to vessels deemed risky or non-compliant. Under the new framework, all ships intending to dock at Taiwan’s commercial ports must meet at least one of the following three criteria:
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Possess Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance issued by one of the 12 members of the International Group of P&I Clubs
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Be insured by a Taiwan-based insurance provider
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Hold a policy from an insurer rated at least BBB by an international credit rating agency
Authorities report that 96.7% of vessels currently trading with Taiwan already comply with these requirements. Ships failing to meet the criteria will be denied entry into Taiwanese ports.
A transitional period has been granted to insurance providers, ending on April 15, 2025. After this date, ships insured by companies rated below BBB will be prohibited from entering Taiwanese waters.
This move is part of Taiwan’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime security, particularly following recent incidents involving damage to undersea cables. In 2023, Taiwan intensified inspections on vessels with opaque ownership structures, aging tonnage, and those operating under blacklisted flags—resulting in a record number of enforcement actions.
