To stay in step with digital transformation trends in the global port and shipping sector and manage the 14 million individual transits (foot and vehicle traffic) through port authorized access points every year more effectively, Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) subsidiary Port of Kaohsiung has actively implemented advanced smart access controls along its perimeter. Upgrades to related hardware and facilities at authorized access points to the port’s Chungtao Commercial Harbor completed earlier this year (2026) have resolved a longstanding problem of airborne particulate interfering with automated-gate image recognition system operations and raised the durability / resilience of these systems significantly.
Digital Inspection / Verification at all 57 Control Stations Enhances Border Security
Port of Kaohsiung has been steadily streamlining and digitalizing inspection / verification procedures across all port access points since 2020. Port access control and management, once reliant on manual inspections done by port staff, is now handled through automated kiosks. At the end of April 2026, a total of 57 kiosks (29 entry and 28 exit) were installed and operating at authorized access points across Port of Kaohsiung. Leveraging data stream verification and integration capabilities, the kiosk system enables the comprehensive monitoring and control of port entry / exit activities and significantly strengthens port perimeter security.
Scanning System Upgrade Tailored to Beat Port Environmental Challenges
In practice, the QR code-reading efficiency of first-generation kiosks was found to be significantly and negatively impacted by dust and other particulates accumulating on the flat (horizontal) scanner units. To increase system resilience to environmental factors such as high humidity, airborne salt, and vehicle exhaust particulates, Port of Kaohsiung launched a program to comprehensively upgrade these kiosks with a second extension scanning module in January of this year (2026). Kiosks at Control Stations 34 and 55 in the Chungtao Commercial Harbor area were the first to complete this upgrade.
The upgrades now up and operating at the two control stations have effectively resolved the abovementioned limitations. The newly installed scanners are more sensitive, allowing the quick vetting and verification of temporary pass holders, and significantly less vulnerable to dust / particulate interference.
Strengthening Smart Port Capabilities Fuels Global Competitiveness
Port of Kaohsiung will continue to refine and improve software systems and applications associated with currently installed automated gate systems and infrastructures throughout the port under the tripartite goals of improving convenience, efficiency, and stability. Moreover, the port will regularly integrate the latest technologies and optimize related systems to streamline port access operations and services and continuously upgrade perimeter safety management measures to ensure that, as port operational efficiencies continue steadily improving, Port of Kaohsiung continues to reflect world-class levels of safety and security.
Provided by：Information Technology Dept., Port of Kaohsiung, TIPC
Contact Person：Yan-chih Yeh, Deputy Director
Telephone No.：886-7-5622663
E-mail Address：T02031@twport.com.tw
Image 1. Barcode / QR code extension scanning modules at Control Station 34 in the Chungtao Commercial Harbor area
Image 2. Barcode / QR code extension scanning modules at Control Station 55
