SURABAYA (ISL News) - PT Pelindo Marine Service (Pelindo Marine) is strengthening its role in supporting the national green energy transition by providing towing services for vessels transporting FAME ( Fatty Acid Methyl Ester ), the main raw material for the production of plant-based biodiesel. This service is part of the logistics readiness ahead of the implementation of B50 biodiesel, which the government plans to implement on July 1, 2026.
Pelindo Marine's commitment to supporting the smooth distribution of FAME aligns with the government's strategic policy regarding national energy security. Quoting the statement of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, the results of the B50 biodiesel trial so far have shown very positive developments and are ready for implementation starting July 1, 2026. Technically, the quality of the water content in B50 has been proven to be lower and superior compared to its predecessor, B40. The characteristics of this environmentally friendly fuel have also been successfully tested on various modes of transportation. The implementation of B50 is expected to boost the absorption of domestic palm oil production while reducing Indonesia's dependence on fossil fuel imports.
Elvin Syah Putra, Director of Commercial, Operations, and Engineering at PT Pelindo Marine Service, emphasized that the success of the energy transition is determined not only by the availability of raw materials upstream, but also by the smooth operation of the downstream logistics chain. "As a provider of ship towing and pilotage services, we are fully committed to providing safe and reliable maritime services to support the smooth distribution of national green energy," said Elvin.
As a vital part of the supply chain, Pelindo Marine has been serving FAME transportation since 2021. FAME products originating from the industrial area in Gresik are transported to the blending facility at the Mirah Terminal, Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, to be processed into biodiesel fuel.
Meanwhile, Senior Commercial Manager of PT Pelindo Marine Service, Dhika Ramadhany Putra, explained that every FAME transportation process applies strict safety standards considering the characteristics of the cargo that require special handling. "Each FAME carrier ship carries an average load of up to 4,500 kiloliters. In this operation, the tugboat KT. Subali II led the towing process and helped the ship dock safely to the Pertamina blending facility at Tanjung Perak Port. The entire process was carried out in accordance with applicable safety standards and operational procedures," explained Dhika.
Through its ongoing support for FAME distribution, Pelindo Marine contributes to maintaining a smooth national bioenergy supply chain. Going forward, the company stated its readiness to increase service capacity in line with projected growth in bioenergy distribution demand, particularly to support the expansion of full B50 use.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom PMS).
