PTP Nonpetikemas Bengkulu Branch Inaugurates Drop Tank Service for Liquid Bulk Handling at Pulau Baai Port, Bengkulu

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas) Bengkulu Branch has operated the drop tank service for the first time for liquid bulk loading and unloading activities at Pulau Baai Port, Bengkulu (8/5). This inaugural activity was marked by the loading of PFAD (Palm Fatty Acid Distillate) commodity using the Drop Tank method with the MT SILKROAD 06 vessel destined for Jakarta. This service is a company innovation programme that was previously carried out at Pangkal Balam Port. The Drop Tank service on the MT SILKROAD 06 vessel docked at Bengkulu Port on Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 11.00 WIB, and the loading process service continued until Monday, 11 May 2026, involving PT Olein Sawit Lestari as the Shipper. This activity serves as an important milestone because it is the first implementation of the drop tank method in Bengkulu for handling liquid bulk cargo. This system is used as a transit medium for cargo from trucks before being pumped to the ship, making the operational process more effective, faster, and controlled. The application of the drop tank method is a strategic step by the company in addressing operational challenges, particularly in increasing the speed and efficiency of the liquid bulk cargo loading process. With this system, the unloading process from trucks to the transit medium (drop tank) can be carried out simultaneously before being pumped to the ship, thus optimising service time. PTP Nonpetikemas President Director, Indra Hidayat Sani, stated that the implementation of this drop tank service is part of the company’s innovation programme and strategy to improve the quality of port operational services. “This is an effort to provide a more effective, efficient, and integrated liquid bulk service process. This innovation was previously applied at Pangkal Balam Port and is now beginning to be implemented in Bengkulu. We hope this innovation can support smooth logistics and enhance the competitiveness of the port,” he said. According to Mochammad Choiron Yusuf, Branch Manager of PTP Nonpetikemas Bengkulu Branch, “This inaugural activity is an important milestone for us in providing more effective and efficient services at Bengkulu Port. With the support of equipment such as pumps and integrated distribution systems, the PFAD loading process can be carried out faster while still prioritising safety and environmental aspects.” Previously, the handling of liquid bulk cargo still used a conventional pattern that required longer times in the cargo transfer process. Through the implementation of drop tank, the operational pattern becomes more structured and integrated, thus impacting increased productivity and reduced vessel berthing time (port stay). In addition to improving operational performance, the application of this method also enhances the implementation of HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, & Environment) aspects. A more enclosed and controlled system can minimise the potential for spills and maintain the cleanliness of the port environment. With the increasing flow of palm oil derivative commodity distribution from the Bengkulu region, PTP Nonpetikemas Bengkulu Branch will continue to promote service innovations to support the smoothness of national logistics. The implementation of drop tank is expected to be the beginning of developing a more modern and competitive operational system at Pulau Baai Port. PTP Nonpetikemas is committed to continuously delivering innovations and sustainable service improvements as well as strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders to realise a reliable, efficient, and environmentally conscious port.