Drop Tank Service Enters Bengkulu, Accelerating Palm Oil Unloading and Loading

JAKARTA - PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas) Bengkulu Branch has begun operating a drop tank service for unloading and loading liquid bulk cargo activities at Pulau Baai Port, Bengkulu. The inaugural operation was marked by the loading of PFAD (Palm Fatty Acid Distillate) commodity onto the MT SILKROAD 06 vessel bound for Jakarta. This service innovation was previously implemented first at Pangkal Balam Port. The MT SILKROAD 06 docked at Bengkulu Port on Thursday (7/5/2026) at 11.00 WIB. The loading process continued until Monday (11/5/2026), involving PT Olein Sawit Lestari as the shipper. PTP Nonpetikemas President Director Indra Hidayat Sani stated that the implementation of this service marks the initial milestone in applying the drop tank method in Bengkulu for handling liquid bulk cargo. The system serves as a temporary storage medium from tanker trucks before the cargo is pumped onto the ship, making the operational flow more efficient, faster, and measurable. “The implementation of the drop tank service is part of the company’s innovation programme and strategy to improve the quality of port operational services,” Indra said in an official statement on Monday (11/5/2026). “This is an effort to provide a more effective, efficient, and integrated liquid bulk service process,” he added. He mentioned that this innovation had previously been applied at Pangkal Balam Port and is now starting to be implemented in Bengkulu. We hope this innovation can support smooth logistics and enhance the competitiveness of the port. Bengkulu Branch Manager of PTP Nonpetikemas, Mochammad Choiron Yusuf, said that this inaugural activity is an important milestone for us in delivering more effective and efficient services at Bengkulu Port. “With the support of equipment such as pumps and an integrated distribution system, the PFAD loading process can be carried out faster, while still prioritising health, safety, security, and environmental aspects,” Choiron stated. Through the drop tank implementation, the operational pattern becomes more structured and integrated, impacting increased productivity and reduced vessel berthing time (port stay). In addition to improving operational performance, the application of this method also enhances the implementation of HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, & Environment) aspects. The more enclosed and controlled system minimises the potential for spills and maintains the cleanliness of the port environment. As the flow of palm oil derivative commodities from the Bengkulu region increases, PTP Nonpetikemas Bengkulu Branch will continue to promote service innovations to support national logistics smoothness. “The implementation of drop tank is expected to be the beginning of developing a more modern and competitive operational system at Pulau Baai Port,” Choiron emphasised.