TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kaohsiung City Government has partnered with the Ocean Conservation Administration and the Maritime Port Bureau to introduce AI technology for inspecting vessel oil leaks in surrounding waters, aiming to improve enforcement efficiency.
The technology is being used to monitor waters near Kaohsiung Port, Cijin Fishing Port, the Talin Power Plant, the Dalin Refinery, and China Steel Corp., per CNA.
Kaohsiung Marine Bureau Director Shih Ching-feng (石慶豐) said the technology was developed by a team from the Department of Marine Environment and Engineering at National Sun Yat-sen University. The AI-powered system, equipped with an infrared thermal imager, can detect oil films as thin as 50 micrometers and identify oil slicks as small as 10 centimeters.
The device is lightweight and portable, allowing flexible deployment. It can be integrated with drones, unmanned surface vessels, and port surveillance systems, or used as a handheld tool.
The Ocean Conservation Administration praised the city government for its work on regular marine pollution inspections, pollution control, marine debris cleanup, and water quality monitoring. The agency also highlighted the importance of integrating technology into environmental protection efforts.
In June 2021, a broken offshore pipeline at the Dalin Refinery caused an estimated 50 tonnes of crude oil to spill into the sea. The oil slick spread to the coasts of Xiaoliuqiu and Kenting, and cleanup efforts took more than two weeks. The administration sought NT$11.6 million (US$370,000) in compensation from CPC Corp. for cleanup costs and an ecological impact assessment.
The administration added that oil spill responses have traditionally relied on satellite imagery, followed by monitoring with helicopters or drones. However, drone patrols may be limited by battery life and control range. Satellite images can also be delayed, making it difficult to assess the extent of pollution in real time.
