PTPelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) / Pelindo and a consortium formed by the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) have signed a cooperation agreement to manage the Belawan New Container Terminal (BNCT).
The aim is to transform Belawan by increasing terminal capacity and direct calls and enhancing terminal and small port connectivity to the BNCT terminal, as well as hinterland development.
Belawan Port is currently a feeder for other major ports in the region, such as Port of Singapore, Tanjung Pelepas and Port Klang.
Through the deal, BNCT’s capacity will more than double to 1.4 million TEU over the next six years, from the current 600,000 TEU. The expansion is expected to strengthen Belawan Port’s position as one of the main gateways for logistics traffic in the Malacca Straits.
“Among our post-merger targets is to support the development of more coordinated port infrastructure, to strengthen maritime connectivity and industrial downstreaming,” said Arif Suhartono, president director of Pelindo.
“Pelindo’s collaboration with the INA consortium will accelerate the development of the Belawan Port with international service standards, transforming the feeder port into a gate way of northern Sumatera. This port will strengthen the competitiveness of Sumatra’s main products and gradually help reduce logistics costs,” he added.
The aim of the deal is to transform BNCT into a connection center for terminals and other small ports on the northern side of Sumatera. The parties have also agreed to modernise maritime infrastructure, including management efficiency with industrial areas and truck traffic to/from the port.
The deal is part of a strategic alliance between INA and DP World to strengthen Indonesia’s shipping and port sector. The partnership, worth up to US$7.5 billion, aims to improve port operations, reduce logistics costs, and promote national competitiveness.
“Cooperation with Pelindo and DP World will also enable us to resolve various obstacles, such as high logistics costs and inefficiencies. After a rigorous selection process, we are pleased to work with DP World as an international strategic partner. This partnership will help accelerate the creation of a high-quality marine logistics network and add value forIndonesia, investors and BNCT employees,” noted Ridha Wirakusumah, CEO of INA.
“We are proud to help Indonesia expand Belawan Port and support its ambitions to develop the economy of Sumatera through infrastructure. By investing in cutting-edge sustainable technologies, world-class training and the highest standards of health and safety, we aim to eliminate inefficiency and enable the flow of trade between Indonesia and the world,” commented Glen Hilton, CEO & managing director Asia Pacific at DP World.
