Mining and Oil-Gas Logistics Become Potential Market for Multipurpose Cargo Fleet
The need for logistics to support operations in the mining, oil and gas, construction, and other strategic project sectors in remote areas continues to grow alongside expanding industrial activity across various regions. Challenges in accessing upstream areas and limited port infrastructure drive demand for fleets capable of operating flexibly in locations difficult for conventional vessels to reach.
Addressing this need, Interport, through its subsidiary Interport Dirandra Syandana (INDIS), has deployed a new multipurpose vessel named Interport Sandikala VII. The Indonesian-flagged vessel has completed its maiden voyage from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya to Balikpapan, with an estimated travel time of four days.
Interport Sandikala VII is the first multipurpose vessel owned by INDIS. Its presence is expected to provide a strategic logistics solution to the challenges of cargo distribution across the Indonesian archipelago, which features diverse geographical characteristics and infrastructure.
INDIS Director Yusuf Indrawarman stated that the maiden voyage marks an important step for the company in strengthening logistics services, particularly for industrial sectors operating in areas with limited access. “The maiden voyage of Interport Sandikala VII is a proud moment for us. This vessel is here to answer operational needs in hard-to-reach areas, especially for the mining industry which requires more flexible and reliable logistics solutions,” Yusuf said in a written statement on Saturday (13/6).
With a capacity of 1,400 DWT, the vessel offers flexibility in transporting various types of cargo. When fully utilised for containers, Interport Sandikala VII can carry up to 107 TEUs. If used for breakbulk cargo, its carrying capacity reaches approximately 1,200 tonnes. The fleet has also obtained technical seaworthiness certification from PT Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (Persero) or BKI, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
One of the main advantages of Interport Sandikala VII is its design, which is specifically tailored to reach inland areas and locations with limited port infrastructure. The vessel has a length overall of 67.2 metres with a water draft of only 3.2 metres, making it ideal for operating in rivers and shallow waters with restricted channel width and water depth. These characteristics enable the vessel to access various areas that have been difficult for large cargo ships to serve, including operational sites of mining, oil and gas companies, and development projects in remote regions.
To support independent loading and unloading activities at pioneer ports and remote areas, the vessel is equipped with a Liebherr marine crane with a maximum lifting capacity of 40 tonnes. Additionally, Interport Sandikala VII uses an azimuth thruster propulsion system, allowing better manoeuvrability when navigating narrow waters or during berthing procedures.
The combination of large carrying capacity, relatively compact vessel dimensions, and independent cargo handling capability makes this fleet competitive in supporting the supply chains of various industrial sectors. Beyond mining and oil and gas, the vessel is also projected to serve the logistics needs of the construction sector and other strategic projects located in upstream areas or regions with limited port facilities.
The arrival of Interport Sandikala VII is also part of efforts to strengthen national maritime connectivity and support logistics distribution to areas that have long faced accessibility challenges. Through this new fleet, Interport hopes to deliver more flexible, safe, and efficient logistics services for various industrial sectors while supporting the smooth flow of the national supply chain.