Pertamina's Transko Dara 3218 on Full Alert to Support Energy Supply
National energy distribution cannot be separated from a range of maritime activities, including support vessels that serve as the linchpin for ensuring oil and gas tankers can berth safely and on schedule. One such vessel is Transko Dara 3218, a small ship owned by PT Pertamina Trans Kontinental (PTK) that stands on the front line at the Special Terminal (Tersus) of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Refinery Unit VI Balongan (RU VI).
Transko Dara 3218 is tasked with supporting the operations of oil and gas tankers that are about to berth or depart from the RU VI special terminal. The vessel assists in mobilising personnel to the Single Point Mooring (SPM), a floating buoy located offshore that serves as a berthing point for tankers as well as a conduit for liquid cargo such as crude oil. Although the Transko Dara is small in size, its reliability plays a role in guiding much larger tankers.
“The port operational process for large vessels is a critical aspect, especially since tankers in the RU VI special terminal area carry high-risk oil and gas products. The series of berthing and unberthing processes is supported by PTK vessels, as a node of maritime activity to maintain safety aspects, preparedness against potential risks, and compliance with regulations,” said Vice President Legal & Relation of Pertamina Trans Kontinental Amran Reza in a press release on Tuesday (1/9/2026).
Amran added that, in line with the movement of Pertamina tankers, PTK support vessels remain on standby 24 hours a day. On average, Transko Dara 3218 operates up to three times per day, alternating with other PTK support vessels at RU VI.
RU VI Balongan itself plays a role in 80% of energy distribution in western Java, namely West Java, DKI Jakarta, and Banten. In addition, it serves several other regions including Pontianak, Banjarmasin, Kotabaru, and a number of areas in eastern Indonesia.
“With the scope of energy distribution at RU VI, PTK’s services contribute to supporting the national energy distribution chain,” said Amran.
As part of Pertamina’s Subholding Integrated Marine Logistics, PTK is a provider of integrated maritime and logistics solutions. PTK’s four business lines consist of support vessels, maritime services, port operations, and shorebase warehousing. PTK currently operates 370 owned vessels and 90 chartered vessels across Indonesia to support maritime and energy logistics needs.
“PTK consistently maintains the reliability of its fleet and maritime services. PTK’s seafarers and professional staff are also committed to maintaining operational activities in accordance with applicable standards and regulations, while prioritising occupational safety and security,” Amran added.
This role is aligned with PTK’s 2026 strategy to strengthen its core business, operational excellence, operational optimisation, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. This forms an important part of maintaining the smooth flow of maritime activities, supporting energy distribution, and strengthening national energy resilience.