Jakarta, August 22, 2026 — The successful berthing trial of MV Blanco Ace at Patimban Port marks an important milestone in the port’s development as one of Indonesia’s key logistics and supply chain gateways. MV Blanco Ace is a Pure Car Carrier (PCC), measuring nearly 200 meters in length, with a gross tonnage of approximately 72,700 GT and a maximum carrying capacity of 5,906 vehicles. During its call at Patimban, the vessel discharged approximately 1,101 trucks after sailing from Hambantota, Sri Lanka.
Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI), said the successful berthing of a large-capacity vessel demonstrates the growing readiness of Patimban Port’s infrastructure and operations. “This is not merely about the largest vessel ever to berth at Patimban. It is also an important milestone reflecting international shipping recognition of Patimban Port. The port is increasingly demonstrating its capacity to safely, efficiently, and competitively handle larger vessels and growing cargo volumes,” Yukki said.
According to him, Patimban’s development should be viewed in a broader context. As an archipelagic nation and one of ASEAN’s largest manufacturing bases, Indonesia requires ports that are integrated with industrial areas, transportation networks, and both national and global logistics systems. Patimban holds a strategic position due to its proximity to West Java’s automotive and manufacturing hubs. The expansion of its car terminal capacity will support vehicle exports and imports while creating opportunities for Indonesia to further strengthen its position in the global automotive supply chain.
“Industry does not simply need ports with large capacity. What is needed is an ecosystem that provides time certainty, cost efficiency, connectivity, digitalisation, and reliable access between industrial areas and ports,” said Yukki, who also serves as Commissioner of PT Pelabuhan Patimban Internasional.
Yukki added that the development of the car terminal is progressing alongside the emergence of international container services at Patimban. This demonstrates that Patimban is gradually evolving from a port with strong automotive capabilities into an integrated logistics and supply chain gateway.
According to him, the increasing number of vessels and international services calling at the port will create economies of scale, improve direct connectivity with global markets, and provide more options for exporters, importers, shipping companies, and logistics players.
“We must develop Patimban not only to meet today’s needs, but also Indonesia’s needs over the next 10 to 20 years. This port must become part of our strategy to enhance industrial competitiveness, strengthen supply chain resilience, and attract new investment into Indonesia,” Yukki stressed.
He also emphasised that Patimban’s development should not be viewed as a competition with other ports. Within the national logistics system, each port has its own functions and advantages, and they should complement one another to create a more efficient logistics network for Indonesia.
“The ultimate goal is not simply to bring more vessels to Patimban. The true measure of success is whether the port’s presence can reduce logistics costs, improve supply chain reliability, strengthen exports, and ultimately enhance Indonesia’s competitiveness,” Yukki concluded.
The article has been published here at Kontan.co.id
