IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK), a subsidiary of Pelindo Terminal Petikemas Subholding (SPTP), has once again earned the trust of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to handle the maiden voyage of the Koala Service with the vessel MSC Sijing (Voy. FP444A), agented by MSC Indonesia.
The new service will follow a route connecting Jakarta – Fremantle – Jakarta – Shanghai – Hong Kong – Jakarta, with plans for two weekly calls at Tanjung Priok Port.
Pramestie Wulandary, Corporate Secretary of IPC TPK, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting business growth, saying “IPC TPK is dedicated to enhancing cooperation with shipping partners and ensuring reliable loading, unloading, and berthing services upon arrival. The Koala Service is expected to bring added value to businesses and boost export-import volumes between Indonesia, Australia, and China.”
Strengthening Trade Ties with Australia and China
The Koala Service is poised to enhance trade flows between Indonesia and key markets, particularly China and Australia. According to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), China remains Indonesia’s largest trading partner. In October 2024, non-oil and gas exports to China reached US$5.66 billion, while non-oil and gas imports from China were the highest at US$6.43 billion.
Although trade with Australia has seen a decline throughout 2024, the introduction of the Koala Service is expected to serve as a catalyst for rejuvenating trade flows between the two nations.
Hayati Koeanda, Deputy General Manager of MSC Indonesia, praised the teamwork and preparedness of IPC TPK:
“We appreciate the promptness and the readiness of the team and the loading/unloading equipment provided by IPC TPK. This collaboration helps MSC present the Koala Service and is vital for enhancing Indonesia’s logistics competitiveness, ultimately driving business growth.”
Sixth New Service for IPC TPK in 2024
The Koala Service marks the sixth new route introduced at IPC TPK in 2024, showcasing the port’s growing role as a key logistics hub in the region. The service is part of MSC’s broader strategy to strengthen connectivity between Australia and East Asia, facilitating smoother trade for businesses looking to export goods between these two continents.
The inaugural docking of the MSC Sijing, a Liberian-flagged vessel, took place at Pier 301 of Terminal 3 at Tanjung Priok Port on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 06:00 WIB. With a length of 172 meters, a width of 28 meters, and a draft of 8.5 meters, the MSC Sijing is a key vessel for the Koala Service.
Terminal 3 at Tanjung Priok, managed by IPC TPK, serves as a vital transshipment hub for cargo moving along the Intra-Asia route. Cargo arriving from other MSC services at Tanjung Priok will be transferred to the Koala Service, which connects to Fremantle, Australia, and other East Asian destinations, including Shanghai and Hong Kong.