By: Bernadette Carreon
Palau will receive the zero-emission vessel Porrima P111, launched May 22 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, attended by President Surangel Whipps Jr., as part of his official visit to the country.
According to Taiwan news, the vessel’s launch marks “a milestone for Taiwan’s green marine technology.
The vessel, developed by Porrima Inc. using Taiwanese supply chains, will be deployed in the Republic of Palau, “for high-end diving and eco-tourism services.”
According to President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s Facebook page, Porrima P111 “perfectly embodies the vision” of ocean sustainability.
“Porrima redefines what is possible for our oceans and planet. For Palau, the Ocean is our home, our heritage, our livelihood, and our responsibility. We believe in balancing protection with sustainable use, safeguarding our resources while finding innovative ways to live in harmony with nature. Porrima perfectly embodies this vision.”
Whipps also thanked Mr. Gunter Pauli and Mr. Stan Shih for their commitment to the project.
“Palau eagerly anticipates welcoming the Porrima to its water,’ he added.
Gunter Pauli, author of “The Blue Economy,” and Stan Shih, founder of Acer, are both involved in the “Porrima” project, a zero-carbon shipping initiative. Pauli’s Blue Innovations contributed through asset valuation, securing a 34% stake in Porrima, while Shih, as Chairman, leads the project and envisions a new paradigm in shipbuilding.