Indonesia’s container shipping line PT Pelayaran Tempuran Emas Tbk (Temas Shipping) has recorded steady growth in container shipping activity through the first nine months of 2025 at its Surabaya branch, supported by consistent vessel calls and improving port services, the company said on Friday.
The East Java branch of the publicly listed shipping company reported that productivity rose by 5-10% year-on-year but remained on track for further gains through year-end, boosted by the upcoming peak season in December.
“We’ve seen a consistent upward trend in shipping activity through the third quarter, and expect momentum to continue into the final months of the year, especially during the Christmas and New Year period,” said Tonny Yudhistira, Head of Temas Shipping’s Surabaya branch.
Temas operates routes linking Surabaya with key domestic ports including Jakarta, Belawan, Pekanbaru, Dumai, Batam, Banjarmasin, Pontianak, Sampit, Balikpapan, Kumai, and Tarakan, while services to eastern Indonesia – such as Makassar, Jayapura, Manokwari, Kendari, Ambon, and Sorong – are handled at the Berlian and Teluk Lamong terminals.
According to Yudhistira, Temas’ vessels make an average of 50 calls per month at the two terminals, handling between 300 and 500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per vessel. This translates to an estimated 10,000 TEUs per month, or around 100,000–120,000 TEUs annually.
He added that port performance remains generally strong, though further efficiency gains could be achieved by reducing vessel port stays from 30 hours to 24 hours per call, supported by improved loading and unloading equipment.
“The service quality at TPK Berlian and Terminal Teluk Lamong is already very good and responsive to customers, including shipping lines like us,” Yudhistira said.
Temas Surabaya has also welcomed the rollout of the Terminal Booking System (TBS) at Berlian and Teluk Lamong, which allows for more efficient scheduling of container receiving and delivery activities.
Aligns with Terminals’ Growth
The positive performance of Temas Shipping aligns with strong results from terminal operators in Surabaya. PT Terminal Teluk Lamong (TTL), a subsidiary of state-owned port operator Pelindo, reported handling 2.04 million TEUs between January and September 2025, reflecting steady growth across its three terminals.
TTL said the performance was driven by expanded domestic and international routes and ongoing infrastructure optimization.
“This achievement reflects solid operational synergy, infrastructure optimization, and consistent investment in human resource development,” said David Pandapotan Sirait, TTL’s President Director.
TTL’s flagship TPK Lamong terminal handled 681,969 TEUs, up 3.6% year-on-year, while TPK Nilam recorded the strongest growth at 12%, reaching 357,536 TEUs, supported by increased domestic cargo flows to eastern Indonesia. TPK Berlian, which handled the largest volume, handled 1,003,606 TEUs, up 2% from a year earlier.
TTL attributed the sustained performance to a combination of route expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and continuous workforce training in terminal operations, risk management, and occupational safety.
“Company performance will be optimal when supported by competent and enthusiastic human resources. Developing skills and competencies is a key part of our long-term strategy,” Sirait said.
With solid throughput figures and an ongoing focus on operational efficiency, TTL said it remains optimistic about sustaining growth amid increasing competition in Indonesia’s logistics and shipping sector.
The state-run operator plays a strategic role in strengthening national and regional connectivity, particularly in eastern Indonesia, which remains a priority area for the Indonesian government’s maritime and logistics development agenda.