BANDAR LAMPUNG (ISL News) – IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK) Panjang welcomed the arrival of the MV MSC Polonia III with the largest empty container load throughout 2026. The arrival of this ship is an important momentum in supporting the smooth flow of logistics, especially for export and import needs in the Sumatra region.
During loading and unloading operations, the ship recorded a total of 2,318 boxes (2,470 TEUs). Unloading activity was dominated by empty containers, totaling 1,772 boxes (1,787 TEUs), and 124 full boxes (228 TEUs). Meanwhile, loading activity recorded 422 full boxes (455 TEUs).
The arrival of over 1,700 empty containers comes amidst a logistics industry currently facing an imbalance between container demand and availability. Recently, export demand has been recorded as exceeding the availability of empty containers, resulting in shipping delays and increased logistics costs.
The arrival of this ship is a significant addition to supply, while also helping to accelerate export shipments that were previously held up ( backlog ), and is a form of direct intervention to address the imbalance in container supply and demand .
"The presence of this large number of empty containers is expected to help meet the needs of business actors, especially in supporting the smooth flow of export activities from the Sumatra region," said Anang Subagyono, Area Manager of IPC TPK Panjang.
According to data from the Lampung Province Central Statistics Agency, trade performance and export activity in Sumatra, particularly Lampung Province, are showing a strong trend. Data from 2026 showed Lampung's export value was recorded at approximately US$500 million per month, totaling US$992.45 million in the January–February 2026 period. This reflects the high and growing demand for logistics in Sumatra.
In this context, the availability of empty containers is crucial. The presence of ships carrying large numbers of empty containers not only increases supply but also acts as an export enabler , ensuring the smooth distribution of goods to global markets.
Furthermore, the large number of empty containers placed at the TPK Panjang IPC is also a market signal . Shipping lines typically place containers in areas with high export potential, reflecting optimism about trade activity in the Sumatra region.
IPC TPK Panjang is also increasingly demonstrating its role as an alternative logistics gateway in Sumatra, particularly through shipping services that are directly connected ( direct call ) to international hubs such as Singapore, thereby providing time and logistics cost efficiency for business actors.
"We are seeing increased logistics activity in the Sumatra region, as reflected in the growing need for containers and the flow of goods," Anang added.
In line with these dynamics, IPC TPK Panjang is ready to support logistics players, both shipping companies and cargo owners, by providing competent, fast, and efficient terminal services. This readiness is reflected in the ongoing optimization of loading and unloading operations, enabling it to accommodate the growth in container flows and sustainable traffic increases.
With reliable facilities and services, IPC TPK Panjang is ready to face the dynamics of the ever-evolving logistics industry, while ensuring the smooth flow of goods in the Sumatra region. The arrival of this large number of empty containers is expected to support supply chain stability, maintain smooth distribution, and enhance Indonesia's export competitiveness in the global market.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom IPC TPK).
