Source: Splash247
Date: 2nd December 2025

Tighter AIS rules, stricter compliance requirements, and expanded inspections target unsafe or deceptive tonnage amid heightened threats to subsea infrastructure.

Taiwan is implementing a series of sweeping regulatory changes to tighten oversight of vessels entering its territorial and restricted waters. New amendments to the Law of Ships will authorise authorities to impose fines of up to NT$10 million (USD 318,000) on operators whose vessels fail to maintain accurate automatic identification system (AIS) data. Ships must keep AIS fully operational and transmit correct information at all times, while also displaying clear vessel names and IMO numbers unless exempted by SOLAS rules. Additionally, all vessels of 150 metric tons or more must maintain precise navigation and incident records while operating in Taiwanese waters.

These updates build on a recently introduced shipowner liability insurance review system. All ships calling at Taiwan’s commercial ports must demonstrate adequate protection and indemnity (P&I) coverage from approved insurers, including members of the International Group of P&I Clubs or underwriters with at least a BBB credit rating. Authorities report that nearly all vessels already comply. Those not meeting the requirements may be required to lodge a deposit or risk outright denial of port entry, part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to keep unsafe or opaque vessels away from critical maritime infrastructure.

Taiwan has stepped up efforts to identify and restrict high-risk tonnage following a series of incidents involving ageing vessels damaging subsea cables or operating under concealed or manipulated identities. Port authorities have tightened vetting procedures for ships with unclear ownership structures, expanded financial documentation requirements and granted customs officials greater authority to seize vessels suspected of falsifying AIS signals. With recent attacks on undersea infrastructure mirroring patterns seen in the Baltic region, Taiwan has increased scrutiny on vessels approaching within 24 nautical miles of its coastline.

Specific nationalities and flags are also subject to additional oversight. Ships from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and several African-flagged registries must now undergo extended port-visit application processes, sometimes taking up to a month for approval. Many applications require screening by security agencies before reaching maritime authorities. Earlier this year, Taiwan blacklisted dozens of Chinese-owned vessels and placed others on a priority inspection list due to past violations involving false documents, identity manipulation or suspicious navigation patterns.

Recent examples have shown how some vessels change identity by simply altering steel nameplates, highlighting the need for tighter enforcement. Meanwhile, emerging intelligence reports indicate an increasing use of civilian cargo and Ro-Ro vessels by the People’s Liberation Army for amphibious landing exercises, raising further concerns about the dual-use nature of commercial tonnage. These developments have accelerated Taiwan’s push for stronger maritime governance, more robust compliance measures and closer surveillance of all vessels operating near sensitive subsea assets.

Shippers operating in or near Taiwanese waters face stricter compliance requirements, including AIS accuracy, vessel identification visibility and enhanced documentation checks. Non-compliant or older vessels may face port-entry delays, priority inspections or denial of access, potentially affecting schedule reliability. Carriers with fully compliant fleets may benefit from reduced risks but should anticipate longer lead times for vessels undergoing extended screening.

Importers relying on Taiwanese ports should expect increased administrative processes for vessels flagged as higher risk, which may extend lead times and create additional compliance steps. While these measures may increase operational scrutiny and marginally impact costs, they also strengthen overall maritime safety, reducing the likelihood of service disruptions linked to non-compliant or unsafe vessels.

Exporters may see short-term fluctuations in vessel availability if high-risk or non-compliant ships are restricted, rerouted or required to lodge financial deposits. However, enhanced compliance oversight supports greater long-term operational stability, decreasing the risk of delays caused by infrastructure damage or AIS manipulation. Exporters using compliant carriers will gain improved schedule reliability as maritime governance continues to tighten.