BATAM (ISL News) – PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) or Pelindo has once again launched ship-to-ship (STS) support services in the Nipa Transhipment Anchorage Area (NTAA) in Batam, Riau Islands. The service, which resumed on October 9, 2026, is implemented through its subsidiary, PT Pelindo Jasa Maritim (PJM), as a maritime service provider to support the smooth operation of STS activities in the area.
Situated near the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Nipa region enjoys a strategic geographic position, being near one of the world's busiest international shipping and trade routes. Through the STS service, cargo transfers can be conducted directly between vessels without the need for land-based terminals. This potential presents an opportunity for Pelindo to expand its maritime services while enhancing the attractiveness of Indonesian waters to the international shipping industry.
The resumption of STS services in the NTAA area was marked by the arrival of one mother vessel and two daughter vessels involved in a series of gradual transshipment activities.
The 25,487 Gross Tonnage (GT) and 180-meter-long mother ship arrived on October 9, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time, followed by the first recipient ship, a 30,681 GT and 195.26-meter-long. The second recipient ship, a 25,085 GT and 175.93-meter-long ship, arrived on October 10, 2026, to continue the STS activities.
President Director of PT Pelindo Jasa Maritim, Arief Hermawan, said that the resumption of STS services in Nipa is a strategic step for Pelindo in strengthening its maritime services business while optimizing the economic potential of international shipping activities passing through the area.
"The resumption of STS services in Nipa is a significant milestone for the Pelindo Group in expanding its maritime services. Through PJM, we ensure operational readiness, both in terms of supporting facilities and competent pilots, while prioritizing safety, reliability, and service assurance for our customers," said Arief.
To ensure the smooth operation of these activities, PJM has prepared service facilities and infrastructure, supporting fleets, and operational personnel as needed. Pelindo has also coordinated with stakeholders, including harbormasters, customs, immigration, and quarantine authorities, as well as shipping agents, to ensure the smooth operation of STS activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
Furthermore, Arief emphasized that the development of STS services in Nipa is not only oriented towards increasing operational activities, but is also part of an effort to build a more integrated and competitive maritime services ecosystem.
"Nipa's geographical advantage presents a significant opportunity that requires consistent service quality and collaboration from all stakeholders. We aim to make Nipa a primary choice for international shipping companies for transshipment, while also opening up opportunities for developing other maritime services that add value to Indonesia," Arief added.
Strengthening STS services in Nipa also aligns with Pelindo's business transformation and Danantara Indonesia's strategic direction of driving asset optimization, increasing productivity, and strengthening the competitiveness of state-owned enterprises. Through synergy between Pelindo Group entities, the company continues to strive to develop an integrated, efficient, and user-focused port and maritime services ecosystem.
With the return of STS activities in the NTAA area, Pelindo is optimistic that it can increase Indonesia's attractiveness as a location for international transshipment activities, expand maritime service business opportunities, and encourage the creation of economic value from global shipping activities that pass through Indonesian waters.
(ISL News Editorial Team/Corcom PJM).
