Indonesian shipping company PT Samudera Indonesia Tbk (SMDR) is steering into new waters with an expansion into Japan, following stronger-than-expected financial results this year and a confident outlook for 2026.
The company has established a new subsidiary, Samudera Japan Kabushiki Kaisha (Samudera Japan K.K.), based in Tokyo, to serve as the center of its business development and investment activities in the Japanese market.
“We recently established a new subsidiary in Tokyo called Samudera Japan Kabushiki Kaisha. This company will focus on Samudera Indonesia’s business development activities in Japan,” said President Director Bani Maulana Mulia during a public presentation on Thursday.
Surpassing Expectation
Samudera Indonesia’s financial performance for the first nine months of 2025 exceeded internal targets, reflecting the company’s resilience in a challenging maritime environment.
The company posted a net profit of US$43.09 million (Rp716.99 billion), up 4.2% year-on-year from US$41.34 million in the same period last year. Revenue climbed 7.94% to US$571.6 million from US$529.49 million, while EBITDA reached US$147.8 million in the third quarter.
“Starting a dynamic 2025, Samudera Indonesia successfully navigated challenges to deliver results that surpassed expectations. We are optimistic this positive momentum will continue until the end of the year,” Bani said.
As part of its growth strategy, Samudera Indonesia continues to modernize its fleet. In September 2025, the company added the MV Sinar Carita, a 2,700-TEU container vessel equipped with Tier 3 Compliance engines and shore power connections that allow for cleaner and more efficient port operations.
The vessel is capable of operating in European waters and reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
As of the third quarter of 2025, Samudera Indonesia’s total assets reached US$1.37 billion, comprising US$760.8 million in equity and US$615.6 million in liabilities.
Tapping Japan’s Domestic Market, Expanding Global Reach
Bani said Japan offers significant potential in the maritime and logistics sectors due to its geography and reliance on sea transport. As an archipelagic nation with high levels of goods movement by sea, Japan’s domestic shipping industry presents a promising growth avenue for Samudera Indonesia.
The company plans to enter the Japanese domestic market by investing in Japanese-flagged vessels and developing local logistics and maritime services under its newly established Tokyo-based subsidiary.
“We will enter the Japanese domestic market and target investments in Japanese-flagged vessels that will operate domestically,” Bani said.
In addition to shipping services, Samudera Japan K.K. will also manage a skilled labor program to facilitate the deployment of trained Indonesian maritime workers to Japan. This initiative, the company believes, can create synergies between both countries and open a new revenue stream.
Beyond Japan, Samudera Indonesia continues to widen its international footprint across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The company remains open to inorganic growth opportunities, including acquisitions and partnerships with global players to strengthen its service network and market access.
“We are actively strengthening our operations in existing markets and exploring further expansion through strategic partnerships and acquisitions,” Bani said.
He added that several initiatives are still under exploration and will be publicly announced once concrete agreements are finalized.
“Once realized, we will certainly make an official announcement,” he said.
On Path to Lead Asia Market
Samudera Indonesia’s expansion into Japan is part of its broader global growth roadmap, designed to capture opportunities from the expected recovery and continued growth in the global shipping and logistics industry in 2026.
“If we weren’t optimistic about the prospects for 2026 and beyond. We are currently in the process of expanding our fleet,” Bani said.
Fleet expansion will be carried out gradually, in line with market dynamics and shipyard capacity worldwide. However, Bani emphasized that modernizing and expanding the fleet remains a strategic priority to meet increasing regional demand and maintain competitiveness in key markets.
As part of its growth strategy, Samudera Indonesia continues to modernize its fleet. In September 2025, the company added the MV Sinar Carita, a 2,700-TEU container vessel equipped with Tier 3 Compliance engines and shore power connections that allow for cleaner and more efficient port operations.
The vessel is capable of operating in European waters and reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.As of the third quarter of 2025, Samudera Indonesia’s total assets reached US$1.37 billion, comprising US$760.8 million in equity and US$615.6 million in liabilities.
With its entry into Japan, continued fleet renewal, and robust financial footing, Samudera Indonesia is reinforcing its ambition to become one of the leading players in Asia’s maritime and logistics industry.
The company’s integrated strategy, combining investment, network expansion, and operational sustainability, is designed to position Samudera Indonesia at the forefront of regional trade routes and emerging shipping markets.
“We believe our expansion into Japan and other regions will strengthen Samudera Indonesia’s role as a trusted and competitive maritime partner in Asia and beyond,” Bani said.