A new chapter has opened in Bengkulu’s maritime journey. With cheers from proud shipbuilders, Nera 15 slid into the waters of Pulau Baai Port on May 28, 2025, becoming the first-ever tugboat constructed entirely by Bengkulu Samudera Teknik (BST) Shipyard.
The launch of Nera 15 is more than just a technical achievement. It represents a powerful symbol of progress for the local shipbuilding sector, a growing cornerstone in Bengkulu’s economy.
With a formidable power capacity of 2×1200 horsepower, Nera 15 is built to handle the demanding tasks of piloting and towing coal barges through busy industrial waters. But its real cargo is hope, for innovation, independence, and industrial growth in western Indonesia.
“This is not just the launch of a ship; it is the launch of a new era for BST,” said Aloysius Agas Nera Beang, Chairman of ANB Holding, the parent company of BST, during the ceremony.
Known affectionately as Louis among colleagues, he spoke with pride and emotion as the vessel touched the sea. “The completion of Nera 15 on time is the result of hard work, dedication, and a strong synergy between our internal team and external partners. It proves that we are ready for bigger responsibilities, not just repairs and maintenance, but full-scale construction.”
For years, BST Shipyard has quietly established itself as a reliable hub for ship repairs and maintenance. From tugboats and barges to tankers and passenger vessels, BST has earned the trust of shipping operators across the region.
However, until now, the company’s capabilities had not extended into new ship construction, a gap that Nera 15 has officially closed.
“We’ve worked on many vessels over the years, helping extend their lifespans and adapt to new challenges,” Louis added. “But it was time for us to take the next step: to build something from the ground up. Nera 15 is that step, and it won’t be the last.”
Amplifying Local Ripple Effects
At the launch event, Petrus Kristansto Maturbongs, Head of the Pulau Baai Port Authority (KSOP), emphasized the broader significance of the achievement.
Photo: Petrus Kristansto Maturbongs, Head of the Pulau Baai Port Authority and Aloysius Agas Nera Beang, Chairman of ANB Holding
“This launch is a positive and much-needed signal for the growth of the local maritime industry,” he said.
“Shipbuilding creates jobs, drives technical education, and generates economic ripple effects. We applaud BST for this step forward, and we urge them, and all players in the industry, to always prioritize safety and regulatory compliance in every operation,” he further said.
Safety, sustainability, and scalability were all recurring themes throughout the launch ceremony. As a coastal province with growing industrial ambitions, Bengkulu stands to gain significantly from a stronger local maritime manufacturing base. The ability to construct vessels domestically reduces reliance on external suppliers and brings value-added economic activity home.
More importantly, it creates opportunities for young local engineers, welders, and designers to stay and thrive in Bengkulu.
The Nera 15 itself is a robust vessel, tailored for the demanding conditions of Indonesia’s busy inter-island trade. With coal barges often requiring precise maneuvering in narrow and crowded channels, the need for powerful and reliable tugboats has never been greater. BST’s ability to meet this demand in-house marks an important evolution in regional capacity.
As the ship’s hull kissed the water for the first time, BST’s workers stood shoulder to shoulder along the dock, engineers, welders, administrative staff, and interns alike, watching their creation come alive. For many, it was not just a work assignment, but a career-defining moment.
“This ship carries more than just coal barges,” Louis said, turning toward the workforce gathered for photos. “It carries our dreams, our hard work, and our commitment to building something that lasts.”
Engineering the Future: A Dredger in the Making
For Bengkulu, an area often overshadowed by the maritime powerhouses of Surabaya, Batam, and Makassar, this launch is a bold statement of capability and ambition. BST’s transition into full-scale ship construction plants a flag in uncharted territory for the province, a declaration that the future of Indonesia’s maritime industry could also be shaped here on the western edge of Sumatra.
Indeed, the shipyard is already abuzz with further activity. BST is currently building a dredger and several additional tugboats based on incoming customer orders, a sign that their leap into shipbuilding is being met with enthusiasm and demand.
The road ahead will not be without challenges. Building ships at scale requires not only technical excellence but also access to materials, streamlined logistics, and a skilled, constantly evolving workforce. But with Nera 15 now afloat and more projects in the pipeline, BST is proving that the tide is turning.
And for Bengkulu, that tide brings with it new opportunities, local pride, and the steady hum of engines that were built right at home.