Criticism continues over low utilization of completed facilities in the large-scale overhaul of Kaohsiung's Qianzhen fishing port, a project carried out at a total cost of NT$8.1 billion.

One target of criticism is the seafarers' center. It was conceived for rest and lodging for deep-sea fishing crews, but actual use has diverged from the design, with queues forming for shower facilities.

The distribution and sales center has also been faulted for awkward circulation and high rents, with tenant demand said to have fallen short of projections.

Qianzhen is one of Taiwan's principal bases for distant-water fishing, structured so that unloading, refueling and resupply, and vessel repair all take place in one location.

The overhaul was undertaken to address aging facilities and tighter sanitation standards, with improvements to refrigeration and wastewater treatment among the main items.

Utilization problems are treated as two separate issues: demand forecasting and operating method. Even after buildings are completed, usage varies with the operator and the fee structure.

Foreign crew members make up a high share of the distant-water fishing workforce. Some argue the operating design should reflect the actual composition of facility users. (Source: Taiwanese press reports)