Pertamina Implements STS Facility in Kolonodale to Accelerate B50 Distribution
Palu (ANTARA) - Pertamina Patra Niaga has begun operating a Ship to Ship (STS) facility, or energy transfer method, in Kolonodale, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, in order to accelerate the distribution of the B50 Biosolar fuel type.
“This step is an effort to strengthen the energy logistics system in the Sulawesi region so that it becomes more optimal,” said Lilik Hardiyanto, Area Manager for Communication, Relation & CSR at Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sulawesi, in a written statement received in Palu on Friday.
He explained that the system transfers energy from a large mother ship to smaller vessels so they can berth at ports or terminals with shallow shipping channels.
At the same time, it accelerates energy supply to remote areas or eastern Indonesia, such as the latest operation at STS Kolonodale.
“The adoption of this method is also part of energy logistics efficiency before fuel is distributed to consumers,” he said.
He outlined that the first operation of the STS began with the berthing of mother ship MT Marlin 88 with a capacity of 35,000 DWT, followed on 18 July 2026 by the first supply using MT Overseas Petromar, which carried 15,000 kilolitres (KL) of FAME and 15,000 KL of diesel respectively.
“The operation then continued with distribution via shuttle ship MT Jasmin XXXVII on 22 July,” he said.
He explained that in the initial phase, 3,100 KL of B50 Biosolar was distributed to meet the needs of the Kolonodale Fuel Terminal (FT), FT Moutong and FT Poso in Central Sulawesi.
Going forward, STS Kolonodale is being prepared as one of the distribution hubs serving FT Kolonodale, FT Poso, FT Moutong, FT Luwuk, FT Banggai, the Integrated Terminal (IT) Gorontalo in Gorontalo Province, IT Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi Province, FT Sanana, FT Labuha and FT Ternate in North Maluku Province, with an estimated distribution volume of around 79,978 KL each month.
“STS provides greater flexibility in the fuel distribution process. The transfer mechanism from mother ship to carrier vessel allows deliveries to destination terminals to be more effective,” said Lilik.
He added that the entire operational chain is carried out with a strong emphasis on Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) standards, to ensure that safety, security and distribution reliability are maintained in every process.
In addition, Pertamina also conducts periodic evaluations of STS operations, as part of efforts to improve the reliability of the energy logistics system on the island of Sulawesi.