TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's first domestic submarine Haikun (海鯤) faces a two-month delay despite completing its floating test, Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-jung (邱俊榮) announced Wednesday (Dec. 10). The Navy is preparing for subsequent underwater tests of the prototype submarine. The Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) addressed concerns during a morning press conference regarding the testing progress and delivery delays.
The Haikun entered dry dock for equipment preparation before its underwater trials on Dec. 5. Chiu assured the Navy will assist CSBC Corp. (台船), the state-owned shipbuilder, in calibrating the equipment. The Navy began imposing penalties in November once contract conditions were not met, deducting fines from unpaid amounts to CSBC based on overdue days.
Reports suggest a daily fine of NT$190,000 (around US$6,100) for the Haikun, potentially extending for 57 years if calculated against the total construction cost. Chiu emphasized the penalty structure takes into account CSBC's construction capabilities and aims to support Taiwan's shipbuilding industry. Chiu remains confident the Navy will oversee contract fulfillment and collaborate with CSBC to achieve the indigenous submarine production goals despite the delay. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.1)
