PTP Nonpetikemas Bengkulu Launches Liquid Bulk Drop Tank Service at Pulau Baai Port
PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas) Bengkulu branch, for the first time, operated a drop tank service for loading and unloading liquid bulk at Pulau Baai Port in Bengkulu on Friday (8/5/2026). This inaugural activity was marked by the loading of PFAD (Palm Fatty Acid Distillate) commodity using the drop tank method onto the MT SILKROAD 06 vessel destined for Jakarta. This service represents a company innovation that was previously carried out at Pangkal Balam Port.
The drop tank service on the MT SILKROAD 06, which docked at Bengkulu Port on Thursday (7/5/2026) at 11:00 WIB, involved loading processes until Monday (11/5/2026), with PT Olein Sawit Lestari acting as the shipper.
This activity serves as an important milestone as it is the first implementation of the drop tank method in Bengkulu for handling liquid bulk cargo. The system is used as a transit medium for cargo from trucks before it is pumped to the ship, making the operational process more effective, faster, and controlled.
The application of the drop tank method is the company’s step 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 it is then pumped to the ship, thus optimising service times.
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.
PTP Nonpetikemas Bengkulu Branch Manager Mochammad Choiron Yusuf said that this drop tank activity is an important milestone for the company in delivering more effective and efficient services at Bengkulu Port. “With the support of equipment such as pumps and an integrated distribution system, the PFAD loading process can be carried out faster while still prioritising aspects of safety and the environment,” Choiron stated.
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 the drop tank, the operational pattern becomes more structured and integrated, thereby impacting increased productivity and reduced vessel berthing times (port stay).
In addition to improving operational performance, the application of this method also enhances the implementation of HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, & Environment) aspects. The more closed and controlled system is able to minimise the potential for spills and maintain the cleanliness of the port environment.
In line 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 smooth national logistics. The implementation of this drop tank is expected to be the beginning of developing a more modern and competitive operational system at Pulau Baai Port.