Bad Weather: ASDP Closes Multiple Shipping Routes

PT Angkutan Sungai, Danau, dan Penyeberangan (ASDP) Indonesia Ferry’s Kupang Branch in East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT) has announced the continued closure of all long-distance shipping routes in the region due to adverse weather conditions.

“Ferry services to several areas in NTT remain suspended due to bad weather,” said Ramlan Iyang, General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Kupang Branch, in Kupang on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, regarding the temporary closure of ASDP ferry routes from Kupang to various areas in NTT and return journeys.

He stated that the temporary suspension follows a sailing prohibition issued by the Kupang Port Authority (KSOP) due to high waves.

The closed shipping routes include the Kupang–Larantuka, Kupang–Lembata, Kupang–Kalabahi, and Kupang–Rote services. These long-distance routes pass through waters characterised by high waves.

The Kupang–Hansisi (Semau Island) route remains operational, as it is a short route not significantly affected by severe weather conditions such as high waves. “For ferry services to Hansisi and back, we assess weather conditions. If it is suitable for the vessel to operate, it does; otherwise, it is suspended,” Iyang said.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Tenau Maritime Meteorology Station has issued an early warning of high waves in NTT waters. Wave heights of between 2.5 and 4 metres are forecast from Tuesday, 10 March to Friday, 13 March this week.

Consequently, ship operators have been urged not to sail and to anticipate potential accidents during maritime operations. Waves of 2.5 to 4 metres are expected in the western Sumba Strait, the Sawu Sea, and southern Sumba waters.