Pertamina International Shipping Enhances ASEAN LPG Fleet with Two Fresh VLGCs

PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) strengthens its status as a premier LPG carrier in Southeast Asia through the acquisition of two colossal gas tanker vessels, known as Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), specifically named Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia.

The pair of newly acquired VLGCs will be specifically tailored for the transportation of LPG and petrochemical products, including propylene and ammonia, destined for international trading routes.

Crafted by Hanhwa Ocean, one of the globe's largest shipyards, VLGCs Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia boast dimensions akin to twice the length of a football field, spanning around 300 meters, with a voluminous capacity of 91,000 m3.

The unveiling ceremony for the VLGCs Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia occurred at the Hanhwa - Okpo Shipyard in South Korea. Among the attendees were Rabin Indrajad Hattari, Secretary of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, Zelda Wulan Kartika, Chargé d’Affaires Ad Interim of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul, Eka Suhendra, Director of Business Planning at PIS, and Muhammad Irfan Zainul Fikri, Director of Fleet at PIS.

Rabin Indrajad Hattari, Secretary of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises, expressed sincere appreciation for the introduction of these two newest VLGCs under PIS ownership. He emphasized their significance in bolstering PIS's vital role in energy distribution across Indonesia and in enhancing Indonesia's maritime industry's standing internationally.

On Thursday (09/05), he remarked, "These VLGCs symbolize more than mere vessels; they represent the fruits of international cooperation, advanced technology, and steadfast dedication to bolstering Indonesia's energy resilience. We are confident that such collaborative efforts can amplify PIS's capacity, within Pertamina, to fortify the nation's energy infrastructure."

He additionally emphasized that the arrival of these two ships was timely and crucial in facilitating the distribution of LPG, a greener energy source for both industries and households.

Rabin added, "By introducing these VLGCs, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing Indonesia's maritime sector. With a fleet that's increasingly modern and up-to-date, we're not only fostering opportunities for a more skilled workforce but also positioning Indonesia as a frontrunner in the regional shipping domain."

Yoki Firnandi, CEO of PIS, highlighted that the inclusion of two VLGC tanker fleets positions PIS as one of the premier VLGC owners in Southeast Asia, boasting a fleet of 7 VLGCs in total. "The growing presence of eco-friendly VLGC fleets underscores PIS's dedication to fostering energy transition and sustainable business practices," stated Yoki Firnandi, CEO of PIS.

The VLGCs Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia stand as the world's largest gas tanker ships, boasting cutting-edge environmentally friendly technology. Named after the Caspia flower, symbolizing achievement and cherished memories, and the Dahlia flower, representing joy and prestige, these new flagship tankers of PIS are poised to navigate international routes, commencing their inaugural journey from Houston, USA, in early May 2024.

Presently, there are a total of 419 VLGC tankers traversing global waters, with an average age of 10.08 years. With the incorporation of these two new fleets, PIS now boasts a fleet of 7 VLGC tankers, boasting an average age of 3.42 years.

Yoki added that the comparatively youthful age of PIS's VLGC fleet provides a notable advantage, particularly regarding operational excellence, adherence to the latest regulations, adoption of cutting-edge technologies for emission reduction, and enhanced competitiveness.

The current VLGC fleet of PIS comprises Pertamina Gas 1, Pertamina Gas 2, Pertamina Gas Amaryllis, Pertamina Gas Tulip, and Pertamina Gas Bergenia.

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication at Pertamina, emphasized separately, "The acquisition of these two VLGCs underscores Pertamina's ongoing and determined efforts, through its Integrated Marine Logistics (IML) sub-holding, to assertively penetrate the global market and align with esteemed international counterparts. Beyond mere vessel numbers, VLGCs Caspia and Dahlia feature dual-fuel technology, embodying environmental friendliness. This technological advancement underscores Pertamina's dedication to sustainable practices, aligning with ESG principles prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance standards," Fadjar concluded.

Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia boast numerous advantages, including the highest cargo flexibility within their category, accommodating up to 39 cargo combinations. Additionally, they feature comprehensive anti-piracy facilities to ensure the safety and comfort of the ship's crew. Moreover, VLGC Pertamina Gas Dahlia is under direct management by PIS and is crewed entirely by Indonesians.

In alignment with Pertamina's sustainability objectives, both vessels are equipped with energy-saving mechanisms and shaft generators to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease carbon emissions. They also utilize environmentally friendly Dual Fuel technology and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to mitigate acid rain pollution (NOx).

The fleet of PIS now comprises 102 units, including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC), VLGCs, Suezmax, and vessels of various sizes, with 60 of them engaged in international operations.