Batu Ampar Container Terminal Modernisation Cuts Batam Export Logistics Costs
Batam (ANTARA) - The Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) believes the Batu Ampar Container Terminal (TPK) can cut Batam–Shanghai export logistics costs by up to US$300 per container through infrastructure modernisation and strengthened operational systems.
BP Batam’s Deputy for Business and Management, Denny Tondano, affirmed that the redevelopment of Batu Ampar Container Terminal is part of the strategic plan of BP Batam’s leadership to build a competitive logistics ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
“The development of Batu Ampar Container Terminal will continue to be accelerated as a commitment to creating a modern and efficient logistics system, while enhancing Batam’s competitiveness as a free trade zone, industrial area, and major investment destination,” Denny said in an official statement received in Batam on Tuesday.
The modernisation project is supported by an investment injection of around US$85 million, specifically allocated for renewing loading and unloading equipment, expanding the container stacking yard, increasing terminal capacity, and digitalising port services to create efficient operations.
He said the expansion of the direct shipping network has delivered tangible economic benefits for businesses.
“For example, logistics costs for the Batam–Shanghai route can now be reduced to US$650–800 per 20-foot container,” he said.
Previously, he explained, the old scheme required feeder vessels and transshipment in Singapore, with costs reaching US$950–1,100 per container.
“This new scheme offers potential shipping cost savings of up to US$300 per container (an efficiency of 30–50 per cent) while cutting travel time to just eight days,” he said.
The improvement in port service quality has been accompanied by strengthened international shipping connectivity through a direct call scheme.
Beyond the physical improvements, the management of Batu Ampar Container Terminal is preparing to strengthen system digitalisation through the implementation of Direct Billing.
This real-time payment system will soon be fully enforced once all service users are ready.
Under this system, service users can pay terminal service fees directly to the operator without third-party intermediaries.
The measure is designed to cut bureaucracy, improve transparency, speed up administrative processes, and contribute to reducing cargo dwelling time.
The Director of Port Management and Business at BP Batam, Benny Syahroni, said these positive indicators show that the roadmap for developing Batu Ampar Container Terminal is on the right track.
“Going forward, BP Batam is committed to expanding the terminal’s storage capacity to respond to the growth of global cargo flows and to strengthen Batam’s position as a regional logistics hub,” he said.
The Director of PT Batam Terminal Petikemas, Capt. Basori Alwi, confirmed his commitment, together with Batu Ampar Container Terminal (BACT), to maintaining sustainable port productivity through the consistent adoption of digital technology.
The next strategic agenda includes continuing the terminal expansion, dredging the port basin to accommodate large vessels with deeper hull drafts, and the comprehensive integration of the digital port ecosystem.
“BP Batam, together with Batam Terminal Petikemas (BTP) and Batu Ampar Container Terminal (BACT), will continue various strategic programmes to support investment growth and the national economy,” Basori said.