State port operator Pelindo has added four post-Panamax quay container cranes (QCC) at the Semarang Container Terminal TPK Semarang, a move aimed at increasing cargo-handling capacity and supporting growing container traffic in Central Java.
The cranes arrived at Tanjung Emas Port on Saturday (March 14) and will strengthen operations at the Semarang Container Terminal (TPK), which serves as a key logistics gateway for the region.
The addition, carried out by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero), or Pelindo, through its subholding PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas (SPTP), raises the total number of quay container cranes at the terminal to 10.
Pelindo expects the new equipment to improve the terminal’s ability to handle larger container vessels and increase productivity in loading and unloading operations.
TPK Semarang Terminal Head I Nyoman Sutrisna said the new cranes are designed for post-Panamax vessels and equipped to operate with high productivity.
“The crane has an outreach of around 60 meters, allowing it to reach more than 16 rows of containers from the ship’s side,” Nyoman said.
Each crane can lift up to 65 tonnes using a spreader and is equipped with a high-speed hoisting system designed to accelerate loading and unloading operations, he added.
According to Nyoman, the investment is part of Pelindo’s broader effort to improve terminal service quality and accommodate growing container volumes in Semarang and surrounding areas.
“The addition of these QCCs is an important step to increase the terminal’s operational capacity and productivity. With more modern equipment, we are optimistic service to port users will improve and support the growing container flow,” he said.
Following their arrival, the cranes will be moved to the terminal area and undergo installation, system testing and integration with the terminal’s operational system before entering full operation.
Growing industrial activity
Logistics industry players say rising industrial activity in Central Java is expected to drive higher container throughput at Tanjung Emas Port.
Teguh Arif Handoko, chairman of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI) for Central Java and Yogyakarta, said container volumes could increase by at least 10% by 2026.
Industrial zones such as the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate, Kendal Industrial Park and Jatengland are expanding production as new and existing tenants scale up operations, he said.
“Manufacturing companies in these areas are still operating at around 25% capacity, which means there is significant potential for further growth,” Teguh said.
He added that this trend presents challenges for the region, including the need to strengthen logistics infrastructure to handle increasing goods flows.
Tanjung Emas Port remains the main maritime gateway in Central Java and is widely used by cargo owners and logistics companies due to its relatively efficient services, he said.
“The new cranes will help speed up container loading and unloading, ensuring that the expected increase in throughput can be handled efficiently,” Teguh added.
Shipping sector welcomes upgrade
Shipping companies also expect the additional cranes to improve vessel turnaround times at the terminal.
Yudi Purwanto, operations manager of PT Tresna Muda Sejati’s Semarang branch, said the additional equipment should help reduce ship waiting times.
“With more cranes available, loading and unloading can be completed faster. This will shorten ship port stays and improve overall service efficiency,” he said.
Improved operational performance could also encourage shipping companies to expand services and explore new routes through the Semarang Container Terminal, he added.
The new cranes are expected to strengthen Tanjung Emas Port’s role as a major logistics hub in Central Java and support the flow of both domestic and international trade.