PT Terminal Petikemas Surabaya (TPS) has become the second Indonesian port of call on a new regional shipping route launched by Singapore-based Pacific International Lines (PIL), strengthening maritime links between Indonesia and North China.
The container terminal, a subsidiary of Pelindo’s subholding SPTP, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, welcomed the MV Kota Sejati, marking the vessel’s maiden call at TPS under the newly launched North China Indonesia (NCI) service. The vessel, operating as Voyage 0520N, arrived following its initial Indonesian stop at Jakarta’s TPK Koja terminal on July 5.
The weekly service, operated jointly by PIL, X-Press Feeders, and Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), connects the ports of Tianjin, Qingdao, Xiamen, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, and returns to Tianjin via Singapore. It is designed to bolster shipping reliability and regional trade flow between China and Southeast Asia.
“With the launch of this new service, we aim to enhance regional shipping connectivity, offering more reliable, flexible, and timely options for our customers,” said Noor Budiwan, TPS Director of Operations, at a ceremony held to mark the inaugural call.
He added that the mid-year introduction of the NCI service reinforces TPS’s growing role as a logistics hub and highlights its strategic partnerships with international carriers. “This is a trust we are committed to maintaining and strengthening,” Budiwan said.
TPS, which offers integrated services including on-site Customs and Quarantine facilities, has undergone a significant digital transformation in recent years. The upgrades, TPS says, have increased operational efficiency, speed, and security across the terminal.
PIL Indonesia President Director Sujeeva Salwatura described the new service as a strategic step in expanding the company’s presence in Indonesia.
“The launch of this service in Surabaya significantly improves our regional network. We value the professional support provided by TPS, which has helped boost our operational efficiency,” he said.
TPS management expressed optimism that the expanded route will support East Java’s export growth and unlock broader trade opportunities for the region.