Organised by the Taiwan Shipbuilding Industry Association and held at the new Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, the event is aimed primarily at showcasing the indigenous development and production capabilities of local maritime and naval shipbuilding firms to the country's top political and military leaders, in anticipation of major programmes that are expected to be announced by the government within the near future. More than 150 exhibitors participated in the event, including key domestic shipbuilders such as Ching Fu Shipbuilding Co, CSBC Corporation, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Lung Teh Shipbuilding Co, as well as the public-private design consultancy Ship and Ocean Industries Research and Development Centre (SOIC), which has been responsible for designing the majority of the Republic of China Navy's (RoCN's) surface warfare combatants.

In particular, the newly set up Submarine Development Center of CSBC (SDCC) - aimed at supporting CSBC Corporation's bid to secure a contract from the government to construct the RoCN's next-generation diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) - made its first public appearance since it was inaugurated in August 2016. The SDCC showcased a submarine model at CSBC Corporation's pavilion, althoughIHS Jane's was told that this was not representative of the final design as the navy's requirements are still under consideration. The service currently operates four submarines: two Hai Lung (Zwaardvis)-class SSKs acquired from the Netherlands in the 1980s and two 1940s vintage Guppy II platforms, which are likely to be employed primarily as training boats.

International firms that participated include DCNS - which is seeking to continue its support of the RoCN's Kang Ding (La Fayette)-class frigates after being embroiled in a well-documented bribery scandal over kickbacks associated with the frigates' procurement along with Thomson-CSF (now Thales, which was also in attendance at the exhibition) - as well as FLIR Systems, Lockheed Martin, and L-3 Communications.