Container handling operations at Tarakan Terminal resumed normal service on Saturday after technical problems sidelined the port’s quay container crane earlier in the week.
The crane was restored to full functionality in the early hours of Saturday, enabling the loading and unloading of the LCT Kayan Cahaya at 12:12 a.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA). The KM Meratus Kupang followed, berthing at 8:50 a.m. WITA and beginning cargo operations shortly after.
Terminal operations had been disrupted since Wednesday (July 9), with crews relying on shipboard cranes to maintain service, according to Amrullah, head of Tarakan Terminal (TPK).
“We apologize for the operational delays caused by the equipment issue. The crane has now been repaired and is operating normally,” he said in a statement.
Meratus Line, which operates the Meratus Kupang, confirmed the crane is currently handling the vessel’s container load. The ship is scheduled to move 820 containers, with crane performance reaching 25 containers per hour, well above the 15-container hourly target. Port operations are expected to conclude within 40 hours.
“Loading and unloading have been proceeding smoothly, with no technical issues reported today,” said Yuwono, head of the Meratus Line Tarakan branch.
The disruption prompted renewed calls for improved equipment readiness. Stanislaus W. Wetik, head of the Tarakan Class II Harbormaster and Port Authority (KSOP), said his office would closely monitor TPK’s operational standards and provide guidance to ensure reliability.
“The crane is running again, but we need to ensure incidents like this do not recur,” he said. “Proper management and regular maintenance are critical to delivering uninterrupted service.”