The initial construction of Hualien Harbor (port) was completed in 1939. At that time, there were only three wharves, mainly for shipping sugar to Japan and for round-the-island (Taiwan) cargo shipping. In order to promote prosperity and development in the eastern area of Taiwan, the Government designated Hualien Harbor as an International Harbor on September 1, 1963. Up to 1991, the expansion projects of the Harbor were completed and made total 25 wharves available for ships with deadweight capacity up to 100,000 tons for loading and unloading.
Cargo shipping is main function of this international port, however, as Hualien is attractive in natural scenery and is a prominent place for recreation, we now spare no effort to promote passenger cruiser to extend their liner service to Hualien and wish to perform a new image for Hualien Harbor.
http://www.hlhb.gov.tw