TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's state-owned shipbuilder CSBC Corporation (台船) announced Friday (Feb. 6) that the Haikun (海鯤) submarine will be delivered in June. Chairman Chen Jeng-Horng (陳政宏) said at a press conference that the number of tests depends on progress and calibration needs. General Manager Tsai Kun-tsung (蔡坤宗) noted that the current diving depth remains undisclosed, though snorkel and periscope depth tests have concluded.
Testing will continue with pressure hull endurance and through-hull piping evaluations, which are crucial for assessing watertightness and structural safety. Chen said both shallow- and deep-water tests are scheduled, and any issues will require repeated testing. He added that the Republic of China Navy's 256 Submarine Squadron (海軍256戰隊) has established emergency procedures and checklists to ensure safety standards before each voyage. CSBC faces potential penalties if delivery is delayed past June.
Tsai said a delay of 200 to 210 days could incur losses of approximately NT$38 million (around US$1.2 million), with penalties of NT$190,000 (around US$6,000) per day. The company said it continues sourcing key components, including torpedo tubes and batteries, from international suppliers while developing domestic production capabilities, such as lithium batteries for submarines. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.68)
