Pelni Ambon: Masela Block Opens Opportunities for Additional Shipping Routes

The development of the Masela Block National Strategic Project (PSN) in the Tanimbar Islands Regency (KKT), Maluku, opens up opportunities for improving sea transport services, according to PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) Ambon Branch. Head of the Ambon Branch, Ridwan Mandaliko, stated on Thursday that this could potentially lead to increased shipping frequency or new routes, in line with rising passenger mobility and logistics distribution in the area. “Currently, services to the region already exist. The ships serving it include KM Pangrango, KM Leuser, and KM Sangiang. So connectivity to Saumlaki is already available, and we can still facilitate transport needs to the area,” he said. However, he noted that there has been no instruction from central management regarding the addition of ships or the opening of special routes to support the Masela Block project, as its development is still in the early stages. He explained that the route to Saumlaki, which serves as the gateway to the Masela Block development area, is currently served by Pelni ships according to their respective operational schedules, with frequency still following the established national route pattern. According to Ridwan, the development of the giant gas project has the potential to increase demand for sea transportation, both for the movement of people, workers, and the distribution of industrial support logistics. “If passenger and goods mobilisation increases, we will certainly submit an evaluation to central management. A joint study will then be conducted, including with the Ministry of Transportation, regarding the possibility of adding ships or increasing shipping frequency,” he said. Pelni Ambon is continuously monitoring activities in the area related to the Masela Block project as material for evaluation should there be a surge in demand for sea transport. “Everything will be assessed based on developments in the field. If activity increases, it will certainly be material for central management to determine future service development steps,” he added. He emphasised that Pelni is committed to supporting the development of national strategic areas, including the Masela Block Gas PSN, by ensuring sea transport services remain available and ready to be adjusted if economic activity in the region continues to increase. The Masela Block, which includes the Abadi Gas Field, is one of Indonesia’s largest gas reserves, located approximately 160 kilometres off the coast of Yamdena Island, Tanimbar Islands Regency. The field holds reserves of around 18.54 trillion cubic feet of gas, with a designed production capacity of 9.5 million tonnes of LNG per year and 1,200 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMSCFD). The upstream oil and gas project, valued at approximately USD 20.94 billion or equivalent to IDR 342 trillion, is targeted to begin production in 2029 and is expected to absorb more than 12,600 workers during the construction and operational phases.