Rp4.5 trillion Pelni ship project tests national shipyard capabilities

Indonesia's state-owned shipping company, PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni), is set to embark on a significant project to construct three new passenger ships valued at Rp4.5 trillion. This initiative is poised to serve as a critical test for the nation's domestic shipyard industry, challenging its capacity to build modern vessels that meet international standards.

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The project to build three new Pelni ships must be a concrete implementation of President Prabowo's directive.

Anita Puji Utami, Chairperson of the Indonesian Shipbuilding and Offshore Industry Association (Iperindo), views the project as a vital implementation of President Prabowo's directive to bolster the national fleet and enhance the capabilities of domestic shipyards. Currently, approximately 95 percent of Indonesia's cargo transport relies on foreign-flagged vessels, underscoring the need for strengthening the national maritime industry.

"The project to build three new Pelni ships must be a concrete implementation of President Prabowo's directive," Anita stated, emphasizing that the initiative extends beyond merely adding to the fleet. It represents a substantial opportunity to elevate the skills and technological prowess of the Indonesian shipbuilding sector.

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During the current condition, around 95 percent of Indonesia's cargo transport still uses foreign-flagged ships.

While Italian companies may be involved in the design phase, Iperindo maintains that this does not pose an obstacle to construction within Indonesia. The global shipbuilding industry often separates design and construction entities. As long as the vessels adhere to technical specifications, safety standards, and international classification requirements, national shipyards can undertake the construction.

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As long as it meets the technical specifications, safety standards, and international classification requirements, the ship construction can be carried out by national shipyards.

Several national shipyards have already signaled their readiness to participate in the project. Iperindo is optimistic that this endeavor will not only strengthen Indonesia's national fleet but also significantly reduce its dependence on foreign shipping. The association sees this as a golden opportunity for Indonesian shipyards to demonstrate their capabilities to the nation.

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Iperindo will support the success of the construction of three new Pelni ships in Indonesia. This is a golden opportunity to show the capabilities of the Indonesian shipbuilding industry to our own nation.