The company has restarted ship-to-ship cargo transfers near the Strait of Malacca, aiming to expand maritime services and attract international shipping activity to Indonesian waters
Indonesian state-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) has restarted support services for ship-to-ship (STS) cargo transfers at the Nipa Transhipment Anchorage Area (NTAA) in Batam, Riau Islands, the company said.
The services resumed on October 9 through Pelindo Jasa Maritim (PJM), a subsidiary that provides maritime services, including operational support for STS activities.
Located near the Strait of Malacca and the Singapore Strait, the Nipa anchorage lies close to major international shipping routes. STS operations allow cargo to be transferred directly between vessels without using land-based terminals, providing an additional service option for shipping operators.
The resumption involved one mother vessel and two daughter vessels participating in phased cargo transfer operations, Pelindo said.
The mother vessel, measuring 180 metres in length and 25,487 gross tonnage (GT), arrived at 0200 local time on October 9. A daughter vessel measuring 195.26 metres and 30,681 GT arrived subsequently, followed by a second daughter vessel measuring 175.93 metres and 25,085 GT on October 10.
Arief Hermawan, president director of PJM, said the resumption was part of Pelindo’s efforts to expand its maritime services business and capture economic opportunities from international shipping traffic.
“The resumption of STS services at Nipa marks a significant milestone for the Pelindo Group in expanding the reach of its maritime services,” Arief said.
He said PJM had prepared supporting facilities and qualified marine pilots, with safety, reliability and service certainty remaining priorities.
PJM has also prepared support vessels, infrastructure and operational personnel for the transfers. Pelindo coordinated with port authorities, customs, immigration and quarantine agencies, as well as shipping agents, to ensure the activities comply with applicable regulations, the company said.
Arief said the development of STS services was intended to support a broader maritime services network rather than simply increase operational activity.
“Nipa’s geographical advantage presents a major opportunity that must be supported by consistent service quality and collaboration among all stakeholders,” he said, adding that Pelindo aimed to make the anchorage a preferred location for international ship-to-ship transfers.
The initiative is part of Pelindo’s business transformation and aligns with the strategic direction of Danantara Indonesia, which focuses on improving asset utilization, productivity and the competitiveness of state-owned enterprises, the company said.
Pelindo said it expected the resumption to strengthen Indonesia’s appeal as a transshipment location, create business opportunities in maritime services and generate additional economic value from international shipping activity in Indonesian waters.
