TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard confirmed Thursday that it had donated a retired patrol vessel to the Philippines.
Taiwan transferred ownership of the Lienchiang, a 500-tonne Kinmen-class patrol and rescue vessel, to the Philippines, which registered it as the Bling No. 1 law enforcement vessel, per UDN. VesselFinder tracking data showed the vessel departing the Port of Kaohsiung Thursday morning for testing before returning to the port’s shallow-water wharf.
The Coast Guard said Taiwan has donated vessels to the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu over the years to strengthen international partnerships. “This case is being handled in accordance with established practice,” the agency said.
The agency said Taiwan has signed fisheries agreements and established consultation mechanisms with the Philippines and other countries. It added that the country will continue to expand cooperation and exchanges in marine research and humanitarian assistance.
CSBC Corp. Taiwan built the Lienchiang, which launched in 2007 and entered service in 2008, per FTNN. The vessel has a water-jet propulsion system and an auxiliary stern rudder that allow it to perform stationary 180-degree turns and lateral movements.
The vessel has a top speed of 30 knots and a maximum range of 5,200 nautical miles (9,630 km). The Coast Guard retired it in 2023 and removed its paint, 20 mm cannon, and .50-caliber machine gun.
