More than 70 boats are expected across four Kaohsiung marinas from 13 to 15 November. Visitor registration is free, and a government-backed AI navigation project is among the local exhibits.
Home to Horizon, Ocean Alexander and Monte Fino builder Kha Shing, Kaohsiung produces motor yachts for owners around the world. This November, the Taiwan International Boat Show brings that boatbuilding industry together on the city’s waterfront. Taiwanese yachts will share the docks with European brands across four marinas in the Asia New Bay Area.
Organisers expect more than 70 boats, ranging from large motor yachts and sailing yachts to smaller leisure craft.
A show built around the yards
Taiwanese yards have built yachts for overseas buyers since the 1960s, with the United States becoming a key market. Ocean Alexander was founded in 1977 and Horizon in 1987, helping establish an industry that now competes internationally.
That export focus has made Taiwan a major force in large yacht construction. BOAT International’s 2026 Global Order Book ranks it fourth worldwide by total length. Its 61 projects total 1,904 metres, counting yachts measuring at least 24 metres that are under construction or on order.
Developing boating at home presents a different challenge. At the 2024 show, Taiwan Yacht Industry Association chairman Jack Chen put annual yacht exports at up to US$450 million. Speaking to Yacht Style, he said Taiwan still had work to do in developing its domestic boating market.
“Taiwan is planning to start building more marinas,” he said.
Four marinas, and what the last show held
The show has moved onto the waterfront since its debut at Kaohsiung’s new exhibition centre in 2014.
After a six-year break, the show returned in 2024 with its first entirely outdoor format across four waterfront venues. Argo Marina hosted European brands, while Taiwanese builders gathered at Kha Shing Pier 22 and Horizon City marinas. Basin No 3 accommodated boats under 40ft offered for sale. Taiwan’s trade promotion agency, TAITRA’s closing announcement reported 77 boats from 12 countries, nearly 14,000 visitors and 12 yacht sales.
The 2026 show returns to those same four venues, although the earlier layout does not confirm where individual brands will exhibit.
Who's bringing what
Among the local exhibitors, Johnson Yachts will represent Kaohsiung’s tradition of building large motor yachts to owners’ requirements. Founded in 1987, the yard builds semi-custom models from about 21m to 38m.
Taiwan's dealers bring the imported brands. TAITRA’s September announcement lists Simpson Marine, Amal Yachting, Princess Yachts Taiwan and Lohas Ocean among the exhibitors, with boats from Sanlorenzo, Ferretti and Princess.
The autonomy exhibits
Away from the big yachts, two exhibits deal with boats that steer themselves. Corum Yachts Taiwan will show unmanned vessels. The Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center (SOIC), a government-funded maritime and naval architecture research institute, will present its THETIS Smart Vessel that showcases Taiwan-developed intelligent navigation and AI-powered decision-making technology.
Organisers also plan displays covering marine electronics, smart vessel technology and low-carbon propulsion.
Going from New Zealand
Taiwan International Boat Show (TIBS) has a strong trade focus, with organisers inviting buyers from Europe, America and Southeast Asia. Invited buyers and guests can also attend VIP sea trials, shipyard visits and networking events.
Visitor registration is free, although recreational visitors should confirm access before making travel plans. TAITRA’s September announcement promotes public boarding by appointment, following the timed bookings used in 2024. However, the official visitor guidance restricts marina access to VIPs, trade visitors and media. Land exhibits are open to everyone, while individual exhibitors decide who may board their boats.
Registration is open on the show's website, and the show runs until Sunday 15 November.
