Key Milestones and Achievements in Promoting Online Vessel Quarantine Procedures at International Ports, Taiwan, 2015–2023

DOI: 10.6524/EB.202603_42(5).0001

Tzu-Ling Lin^1* Hsin-Ju Chang¹, Yi-Li Shih², Jiun-Shian Kuo¹, Li-Li Ho¹

2026 Vol.42 NO.5

Correspondence Author： Tzu-Ling Lin^1*

Abstract：

    To streamline the declaration procedures for vessels entering ports, the Maritime and Port Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, developed the Maritime Transport Network (MTNet), a single-window service platform that integrates the systems of the Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance, and the quarantine system of the Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Submitting vessel quarantine applications through the online single-window platform aligns with international standards and best practices. We reviewed the promotion process and evaluated the outcomes of implementing the online vessel quarantine application system.
    A total of 235,917 vessel quarantine applications were processed between 2017 and 2023. The online application rate increased from 60.4% in 2018 to 69.2% in 2023. Excluding 2017, when the online application system was first introduced, the online application rate showed a significant upward trend across the three phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (p <0.001). For domestic routes, the online application rate was 87.5%, significantly higher than the 52.1% recorded for international routes. The online application rate for international routes increased steadily from 44.9% in 2018 to 58.4% in 2023, whereas the rate for domestic routes remained relatively stable, ranging from 84.3% to 89.0% during the study period.
    The promotion of the online application system has enhanced convenience for shipping agencies, optimized manpower allocation, and strengthened the capacity to respond to public health emergencies. It has also facilitated cross-agency coordination at ports. To further strengthen the resilience and efficiency of border quarantine, the adoption of innovative technological tools is recommended to support more effective responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the future.