DIGIVESTASI - PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) has once again strengthened its position as the leading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargo carrier in Southeast Asia. This was done with the addition of two very large gas carriers (VLGC): Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia.

Both VLGCs are optimized for the transportation of liquefied natural gas and petrochemical products such as propylene and ammonia and are intended for international trade.  Pertamina Gas Caspia VLGC and Pertamina Gas Daria VLGC are both approximately 300 meters long or equivalent to two football fields with a capacity of 91,000 m3. Both offer the highest cargo flexibility in its class with up to 39 cargo combinations, as well as comprehensive anti-piracy equipment for crew safety and comfort, and much more.

Both vessels are also equipped with energy-efficient equipment and shaft generators to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, VLGC Pertamina Gas Caspia and VLGC Pertamina Gas Dahlia also utilize environmentally friendly dual-fuel and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce acid rain (NOx) pollution. This is in line with Pertamina's sustainability efforts.

With the addition of the two VLGCs, PIS's fleet now totals 102 vessels, including very large crude carriers (VLCCs), VLGCs, Suezmax, and other sized vessels. Up to 60 of these vessels are used on international flights. Pertamina Gas' VLGC Daria will also be managed by PIS and its crew is 100% Indonesian. FYI: Both vessels were built by South Korea's Hanwha Ocean (South Korea), one of the largest shipyards in the world. The vessels were launched at Hanwha Okpo Shipyard in South Korea. 

The launch event was attended by Mr. Rabin Indrajad Hattari, Director General of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Mr. Zelda Ulan Kartika, Temporary Charge d'Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, and Mr. Eka Suchendra. Mr. Muhammad Irfan Zainul Fikri, PIS Business Planning Director and PIS Fleet Director. Mr. Rabin said that the government welcomes the presence of PIS's two newest VLGCs.

The two vessels will further strengthen PIS's role as a connector for Indonesia's electricity distribution, as well as make Indonesia's maritime industry proud on the world stage. “A VLGC is more than just a ship, it is a testament to international cooperation, technological sophistication and unwavering commitment in supporting Indonesia's energy security.

“This international collaboration will increase the capabilities of PIS as part of Pertamina in strengthening energy infrastructure can do that,” Rabin said in a press release received by Kompas.com, Thursday (May 9, 2024). Rabin added that the two ships were there at the right time and played an important role in providing liquefied natural gas and environmentally friendly energy for industry and households.

“The presence of the VLGC is also an effort to strengthen Indonesia's maritime industry and build a more modern and up-to-date fleet.” “We can create new opportunities for a more skilled workforce while strengthening Indonesia's position as a leader in the regional shipping industry,” Rabin said. PIS CEO Joki Firunandi said with the addition of the two VLGC tankers, PIS became one of the largest VLGC shipowners in Southeast Asia with a total of seven vessels.

“The addition of a greener VLGC fleet demonstrates PIS' commitment to supporting energy transition and sustainable business. “This is the largest technologically advanced gas carrier in the world,” Joki explained. The name Pertamina Gas Caspia VLGC was inspired by the caspia flower which symbolizes success and memories, Joki said. While the dahlia flower symbolizes happiness and respect. 

Successful maiden voyage in the United States 
PIS' new tankers will soon begin international service and are scheduled to make their first voyage from Houston, United States (US) in early May 2024. The arrival of VLGCs Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Darya brings PIS's total tanker fleet to seven with an average age of 3.42 years. The VLGC series previously owned by PIS are Pertamina Gas 1, Pertamina Gas 2, Pertamina Gas Amaryllis, Pertamina Gas Tulip, and Pertamina Gas Bergenia.

Currently, there are 419 VLGC tankers worldwide with an average age of 10.08 years. “The relatively young average age of PIS-VLGC vessels is an advantage in itself. “First and foremost, in terms of the operational quality of the vessel, it is new and improved. These are vessels that use technology and are more competitive,” Joki said. Fajjar Joko Santoso, Pertamina's Vice President Corporate Communications, said the addition of two VLGCs from PIS is proof that Pertamina continues to take part through the Integrated Marine Logistics (IML) sub-holding.

The vessels are also proof of Pertamina's commitment to reach the global market. Pertamina is now on par with other world-class companies, not only in terms of the number of vessels, but also the dual-fuel and environmentally friendly technology integrated on both vessels. This technology is also part of Pertamina's commitment to running an environmentally friendly business, in line with the implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects, said Fajjar.

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