Pertamina Installs Solar Panels on Oil Tanker for Decarbonisation

PT Pertamina Trans Kontinental (PTK) has implemented a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) on the Oil Barge (OB) Patra 2303 as part of efforts to decarbonise the maritime sector. Agung Wicaksono, Director of Business Transformation and Sustainability at PT Pertamina, stated that the use of solar energy combined with batteries demonstrates that dedieselisation can be achieved not only on land but also at sea. “This is proof that Pertamina is ready to support the acceleration of the energy transition,” he said. The initiative is capable of reducing the vessel’s emissions by up to 79.2 tonnes of CO₂ per year and saving approximately 28.08 kilolitres of diesel fuel annually. In line with this, the clean energy programme on the vessel represents a concrete step in strengthening PTK’s commitment to more efficient and sustainable operations. Eko Cahyadi, Acting President Director of PT Pertamina Trans Kontinental, added that safety aspects were a primary concern from the planning stage through to the system installation on the ship. This is because OB Patra 2303 operates transporting oil cargo, requiring higher safety standards compared to installations on conventional facilities. “What makes this project special is that the installation was carried out on a vessel transporting hazardous cargo. Therefore, the installation process had to meet much stricter safety standards,” he said. The implementation of the solar power system on the oil tanker is one of Pertamina’s renewable energy innovations, carried out with high HSSE standards to ensure the system operates safely without disrupting the vessel’s operational activities. The PLTS uses an off-grid solar panel system with a capacity of 11.5 kWp integrated with a 32 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Based on estimates, the use of this transitional energy can potentially reduce emissions by up to 79.2 tonnes of CO₂ per year and save up to 28.08 kilolitres of diesel per year. The implementation of the PLTS is the result of synergy among entities within Pertamina, involving collaboration between PT Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (PNRE) as the renewable energy solution developer, PTK as the fleet operator, and PIS as Pertamina’s Integrated Marine Logistics subholding.