Weather disruptions could potentially affect ferry operations between Taiwan and its outlying islands during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays, officials have warned.
According to local authorities, ferry services between Taitung and Green Island are already canceled for January 27, one of the busiest travel days of the holiday period. Starting January 28, ferry captains will assess whether conditions permit travel, with decisions made on a day-by-day basis.
The official Lunar New Year break runs from January 25 to February 2, a peak travel period in Taiwan. The Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) has identified additional routes at risk due to rough seas, including those between Taitung and Orchid Island, as well as between Keelung and Matsu.
Passengers are urged to monitor weather updates closely and visit the MPB website for the latest information, which will be posted daily by 2 p.m.
During the Lunar New Year period, a total of 396,242 ferry seats are available across eight routes connecting Taiwan to its outlying islands, along with four routes linking Kinmen and Matsu to mainland China. The MPB stated that ferry operators are obligated to provide clear communication regarding any cancellations, including updates through online platforms and harbor information displays.
Travelers are also advised to avoid traveling during peak hours, especially on the Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu route in Pingtung. In the event of overcrowding, the MPB has directed ferry operators to deploy additional services as needed.
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