Danish shipping company Norden has credited Pelindo Jasa Maritim (PJM) with supporting safe and efficient vessel operations during its regular port calls in Indonesia, citing professional, timely pilotage and towage services and close communication between marine crews.
Norden operates across dry bulk, tanker, project cargo and logistics businesses, with its Indonesian operations focused largely on dry bulk commodities, including coal, and project cargo.
For Steffen Christian Lie, Norden’s Head of Dry Operations for Asia / North Pacific, safety remains the key measure of port performance. He said the company had recorded no accidents during its Indonesian port calls, including berthing, anchoring and loading operations.
“Safety is the most important. Up to now there is no accident,” Steffen told The Shipping Gazette on the sidelines of the signing of an extension to the Pelindo Jasa Maritim-Norden cooperation agreement on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.
He attributed the record in part to the professionalism of PJM’s marine pilots and the reliability of supporting equipment, including pilot boats and tugboats.
The reliability of the services has also helped Norden manage vessel schedules, Steffen said, with pilots and tugboats generally arriving on time and limiting potential delays during critical stages of port calls.
“In general, though no detailed data yet, their timely service has given us efficiency,” he said.
Mathias Henriksen, Norden’s Tanker Operations Lead in Singapore echoed the view, saying closer cooperation with Pelindo could generate further efficiencies as the relationship develops.
“So far, we are satisfied with Pelindo service. And we hope our tighter collaboration will make it more and more efficient in the future,” Steffen said.
Steffen and Mathias also highlighted communication between shipboard teams and PJM’s pilots and tugboat crews as an important factor in safe vessel maneuvering.
For shipping companies calling at unfamiliar ports, local pilotage expertise can be important when navigating channels, berthing areas and changing operational conditions. Norden said its experience with PJM had strengthened its confidence in the marine services supporting its Indonesian port calls.
Steffen said Norden would also share information about improvements in PJM’s services with its clients, potentially helping strengthen confidence among vessel owners and charterers using Indonesian ports.
Service Quality Must Remain Competitive on Cost
As trade volumes grow and vessel operations become more complex, Norden said PJM would need to maintain high service standards while keeping costs competitive.
“Competitive is very important because if the cost is too high, it will be challenging,” Steffen said. “Create a balance so we can deliver more ships and volumes and Pelindo can provide a better service.”
For Norden, continued dialogue, reliable operations and competitive pricing will be important to expanding cooperation with Pelindo as shipping demand evolves.
The company said a stronger partnership could support higher vessel and cargo volumes while allowing PJM to further improve the quality and efficiency of its pilotage and towage services.
