Shipping industry players have voiced strong support for plans to expand the capacity of container terminal TPK Semarang, particularly its quay capacity, as the number of ship calls continues to rise. This increase is driven by growing import and export volumes at the port.
“In light of the rising number of ship calls, it is crucial for TPK Semarang to prioritize expanding its capacity, and we fully support Pelindo’s plan to do so,” said Hari Ratmoko, Chairman of the Indonesia National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) Chapter Semarang.
Hari stressed the need for Pelindo to enhance not only the quay capacity but also critical equipment, such as container cranes (QCC), and the container yard (CY). “These upgrades are vital given the rising traffic of ships calling at Tanjung Emas, especially at TPK Semarang,” he added.
He highlighted that the volume of import and export containers has significantly increased, with the potential for even greater export growth in the future, particularly from several new industrial areas in Central Java. “Expanding the capacity is essential to meet this growing demand,” said Hari.
As reported earlier SPTP has outlined several plans in responding the increasing volume of the terminal. In 2025, a 150-meter ocean pier designed to support ship berthing at TPK Semarang will be in operation. This expansion will be complemented by the addition of two harbor mobile cranes to assist in loading and unloading, along with additional container yards.
Looking further ahead, SPTP plans to introduce new quay container cranes (QCC) by the second quarter of 2026. Additionally, the pier and stacking yard will be upgraded. By 2029, container throughput of TPK Semarang is projected to reach 1.2 million TEUs.
“The growth of container throughput reflects the broader industrial growth in Central Java. We are committed to optimizing the terminal to ensure that it can continue to provide top-tier service while maintaining sufficient capacity,” Widyaswendra, Corporate Secretary of PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, said in statement on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
In response to the growing volume, SPTP is taking measures to avoid congestion at both the seaport (mooring) and land side (container stacking). The company is ensuring all supporting infrastructure is well-aligned with principles of good governance to ensure smooth operations.
SPTP reported that in 2024, TPK Semarang throughput grew up 15% year-on-year, to 895,904 TEUs, from 781,841 TEUs in 2023. This includes 766,914 TEUs of oceangoing (export import) and 128,990 TEUs of domestic trade, respectively increasing 13% and 24% yoy.
Notably, export and import volumes were nearly balanced, with 385,224 TEUs in export and 381,689 TEUs in import.
The increase in container traffic can be attributed to several factors, including a notable rise in exports to key markets such as Taiwan (up 14%), the United States (up 26%), Germany (up 21%), and China (up 15%). Dominant export commodities include furniture and footwear.
Teguh Arif Handoko, Chairman of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders’ Association (ALFI/ILFA) for Central Java and Yogyakarta (DIY), noted that the growth in container traffic reflects broader industrial development in Central Java, driven in part by the establishment of special economic zones like the Kendal Industrial Zone (KIK) and the Batang Integrated Industrial Zone (KITB).
The rapid growth of these industrial zones has greatly impacted trade volumes, including both exports and imports of raw materials.
The logistics and forwarding sector in 2024 grew up by nearly 20%, contributing positively to port growth, particularly at container terminals like TPK Semarang.
Teguh forecasted continued growth in container traffic in the coming years, especially with the ongoing development of the KITB industrial area in Batang. He called on Pelindo to anticipate future surges in container volume to prevent congestion.