PT. Solo Trans Logistik (STL), a prominent player in the logistics and shipping industry, has officially launched its new shipyard, marking a significant expansion of its business operations. This strategic move is anticipated to cut the company’s internal docking costs by an impressive 40%, while also diversifying its revenue streams.
The inauguration ceremony, held on December 11, 2024, was attended by key executives, including Aryo Hidayat Adiseno, President Commissioner of STL, and Capt. Ridwan Zen, M.Mar, President Director of Solo Trans Logistik. The event was symbolically marked by the pressing of a siren button, signifying the commencement of operations at the new facility.
Government representatives from Patimban Port Authority and Harbour Master (KSOP) and Indonesia National Shipowners’ Association INSA Jaya also witnessed the inauguration.
Located along the CBL River, the STL Shipyard boasts the capacity to accommodate vessels up to 55 meters in length and 15 meters in width, with a weight limit of 1,000 tons. This state-of-the-art facility is designed not only to service STL’s own fleet but also to provide repair and maintenance services to other shipping companies in the region.
In addition to enhancing STL’s operational efficiency, the shipyard is expected to contribute positively to the maritime sector as a whole. By addressing the current imbalance in supply and demand for docking services in Tanjung Priok and its surrounding areas, STL aims to play a pivotal role in reducing national logistics costs.
“Our new shipyard is a testament to our commitment to innovation and efficiency in the logistics sector,” said Aryo Hidayat Adiseno during the inauguration. “We believe that this facility will not only benefit our company but also support the broader maritime industry and contribute to the economic growth of the region.”
As STL embarks on this new venture, the company is poised to strengthen its position in the logistics market while fostering development within the maritime sector.
Cut 40% Docking Cost
Talking to Indonesia Shipping Gazette on the sideline of the inauguration, STL President Director Capt. Ridwan Zen, M.Mar said that the construction of this shipyard was one of the solutions to reduce the density of shipyard activities around Tanjung Priok Port.
“We, PT. Solo Trans Logistik have dozens of ships, so we see the need to build our own shipyard to be more efficient in repairing our ships, both in terms of cost and time. For our costs, we can be up to 40 percent efficient if we go to another shipyard,” said Ridwan.
Ridwan explained that PT. Solo Trans Logistik deploying 19 fleets in total, most of which are barges. “This shipyard will secure repairing of our owned fleets,” he said, adding: “But, we open for repairing vessels of other shipping lines.”
Currently, according to Ridwan, there is an imbalance between supply and demand, where the number of shipyard capacities around Tanjung Priok is less than the demand (the number of ships that want to dock). The impact is that there is a fairly long waiting list, even up to three years.
“This shipyard is here as a solution to reduce the long queues that often occur at shipyards around Priok, so that it can increase the operational efficiency of shipping companies,” he said.
Aryo Hidayat Adiseno, President Commissioner of Solo Trans Logistik and also as President Director of SHA Solo, the parent of STL, hopes for a good partnership with several shipyards along the CBL Water Way.
“As a newcomer, of course we really hope for a strategic partnership with several shipyards that have been operating earlier than us,” he said.
Alternative Solution for Shipping
INSA Jaya Secretary General M. Erwin Yahya Zubir is expressing his appreciation for the new shipyard and hopes that Solo Trans Logistik will continue to grow and contribute to the advancement of maritime development in the future.
“We appreciate Solo Trans Logistik for this, and in the future we hope that Solo Trans Logistik will continue to grow and develop in other sectors to help advance our maritime development,” Erwin said.
He expects this new shipyard will be an alternative for shipping lines. “Facing the fact that there is imbalance between supply and demand in ship repair, this new shipyard is expected to be an alternative,” he said.