BRIN promotes public-private partnership for research vessel project

In a statement issued on Friday, BRIN Head Arif Satria said modernising the research vessel fleet is a strategic necessity to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a science-based maritime nation while enhancing national research capacity, capability, and synergy.

“The PPP project for the management and development of the National Research Vessel Fleet is not merely a conventional shipbuilding initiative, but part of broader efforts to strengthen sovereignty in science and research, enabling Indonesia to realise its maritime identity in economic terms,” he said.

Satria added that modern research vessels play a crucial role in exploring subsea economic potential, studying marine biodiversity, and advancing marine environmental services and ocean energy development.

“One of the key determinants in today’s world is data strength, and data strength reflects research strength,” he said.

He underscored the need to increase research sailing days. Indonesia currently records around 2,500 sailing days annually, while the estimated requirement is about 8,000 days. The gap highlights the urgency of expanding the fleet and strengthening marine research operational systems.

He said the PPP scheme will enhance marine research infrastructure through the construction of ocean-going and coastal research vessels, supported by an integrated fleet management system.

The vessels are designed as advanced multipurpose research ships equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and portable equipment. The project is structured under a 20-year DBFOMT (Design Build Finance Operate Maintain Transfer) concession, with signing targeted for the first quarter of 2027, followed by financial close.