Photo: MV Maizuru Kichijo, one on the group of 18
Indonesia government corrects the number of loaded coal carriers (vessels) to be released for export from 37 units as stated earlier to only 18, according to Director General of Mineral and Coal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
In the most updated letter dated Thursday, January 13, signed Director General of Mineral and Coal Ridwan Djamaluddin on, it is stated that only 18 coal carriers that will be released.
Earlier, Indonesia Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment was likely to allow 37 loaded coal vessels to be released for export pending requisite approvals from the authorities.
A list of 37 vessels has been prepared after a meeting of top government officials concluded Jan. 12, allowing owners of these vessels to sail if they fulfil their domestic market obligation, or DMO. Indonesian miners have an obligation to supply 25% of their annual production to the domestic market.
“It is mandatory that the companies (to which these vessels belong) have fulfilled their DMO. The government might change the list of vessels getting clearance if obligations are not met,” an Indonesian miner said.
Sources said that companies that have fulfilled their DMO will be allowed to export. However, market participants said there was no official communication to the miners yet.
“I think they (Indonesian government) are not going to allow exports. All 37 are reputed companies that have fulfilled their DMO, they want to do case-by-case verification for all exports,” an Indonesian trader said.
“Whether companies can now start to export, or the permission is for these 37 vessels only is not clear. The companies have not received any official letter,” an Indonesia-based producer said.
Sources said that the 37 vessels are estimated to be carrying cumulatively around 1.8 million mt coal. Fifteen of the 37 vessels were headed to China, followed by four each to Japan and India. Rest of the vessels are to head to countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Philippines, Bangladesh and Hong Kong.
Miners said the situation continued to remain uncertain and they would prefer to wait for official communication from the government if they are allowed to export.