PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) has been entrusted by the Ministry of Transportation to provide pilotage and towing services at the Labuan Uki Waters, located in North Sulawesi Province. This area serves as a channel for vessels transporting coal to the PLTU Sulut-1 Binjeita coal-fired power plant, which is situated in Bolaang Mongondow. This move follows the official decree issued by the Director General of Sea Transportation (Decree Number KP-DJPL 705 of 2024).
Owned by state electricity company PLN, the PLTU Sulut-1 Binjeita power plant is a vital infrastructure project designed to improve the electricity grid in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo. Once operational, it is expected to play a significant role in boosting the region’s energy supply and economic development.
As a professional port business entity (BUP), Pelindo remains dedicated to delivering high-quality services to all users in the Labuan Uki Waters. The company has successfully managed pilotage and towing operations for the Sulut-II Amurang PLTU, and due to increasing demand for these services, Pelindo is expanding its operations to cover the Sulut-1 Binjeita PLTU, located approximately 172 km from the Amurang facility.
Nurlayla Arbie, General Manager of Pelindo Regional 4 Manado, commented, “We have prepared a fully licensed and equipped fleet of tugboats to ensure smooth operations at the Binjeita PLTU.”
Pelindo’s expansion into the Binjeita PLTU area is supported by recommendations from the Head of the Labuan Uki Class III UPP Office, who approved the expansion of the pilotage and towing zone. This recommendation, issued on September 15, 2022, is formalized through Letter Number: AL.326/01/01/UPP.LU-2022.
Additionally, on July 15, 2023, Pelindo, in collaboration with the Labuan Uki UPP Office, conducted a jetty berthing test as part of preparations to meet the administrative requirements for obtaining a Permanent Jetty Operating Permit at the Binjeita PLTU.
“We are confident that the synergy between Pelindo and PLN will bring optimal benefits and services to the people of North Sulawesi, contributing to the region’s development and economic growth,” Nurlayla Arbie added.
Pilotage for Conch TUKS Since 2022
Since 2022, Pelindo has been providing pilotage services in the Labuan Uki Waters, specifically at the Terminal for Self-Interest (TUKS) of PT Conch North Sulawesi Cement.
“We are committed to meeting and exceeding customer expectations. We are pleased that PT Conch North Sulawesi Cement has renewed its trust in Pelindo as the official BUP to operate at the Conch Pier until 2029,” said Nurlayla.
Pelindo, according to Nurlayla, is grateful for the full support received from Pelindo Group Management and the Chairperson of the Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) Manado DPC for all service and transformation efforts. As one of the largest State-Owned Enterprises, Pelindo is dedicated to continually improving the quality of its services through the implementation of rigorous operational performance standards, professional, and transparent services.