IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK) Panjang said the arrival of the MV MSC Polonia III, carrying the largest load of empty containers so far this year, will help ease logistics bottlenecks and support export activity in Sumatra.
The vessel handled a total of 2,318 boxes, or 2,470 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), during loading and unloading operations at the terminal.
Unloading was dominated by empty containers, which reached 1,772 boxes (1,787 TEUs), alongside 124 full boxes (228 TEUs). Loading activity totaled 422 full boxes (455 TEUs).
The influx of more than 1,700 empty containers comes as the logistics industry faces an imbalance between container demand and availability, with stronger export demand leading to shipment delays and higher costs.
“The arrival of this large number of empty containers is expected to help meet the needs of business actors, particularly in supporting export activities from Sumatra,” said Anang Subagyono, area manager of IPC TPK Panjang.
The additional supply is expected to help clear a backlog of export shipments and ease pressure on container availability.
Data from Indonesia’s statistics agency showed Lampung’s exports reached about $500 million per month in 2026, with total exports of $992.45 million in January-February, reflecting strong demand for logistics services in the region.
Industry players view the placement of empty containers in Lampung as a signal of rising export demand, as shipping lines typically position equipment in areas with strong trade potential.
IPC TPK Panjang has also strengthened its role as an alternative logistics gateway in Sumatra, including through direct shipping services to international hubs such as Singapore, offering time and cost efficiencies.
“We are seeing increasing logistics activity in the Sumatra region, as reflected in the growing demand for containers and the flow of goods,” Anang added.
The terminal said it is continuing to improve operational efficiency and service quality to accommodate rising container traffic and support supply chain stability, aiming to enhance Indonesia’s export competitiveness.