ABL needs at least 20 vessels to support new coal barging contract
Published by Stephanie Roker,
Editor
World Coal,
Indonesia’s Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL) is plotting to add up to 18 dry bulk barges to serve a domestic coal contract. The company, which has clients in the mining and commodities industries, said the significant increase is needed for one of its customers, for whom it already tranships 20 m tpy.
“We would need at least 20 vessels to support the barging operation, currently we only operate two vessels. Our plan is to charter and/or buy another 15 - 18 vessels,” said President Director Ika Bethari.
“Our plan is to enhance our integrated sea logistics service from port to port that provide a complete value chain to its customers. In the near future, we are also planning to have our first ocean-going vessel that can complete our barging and transhipment services.”
“We are not only looking at coal, but also other natural resources and commodities,” Bethari said. “Our country is one of the largest coal and crude palm oil exporter in Asia. With the new KepMen 82, it would definitely help ABL and other shipping companies in Indonesia to tap and grow into regional as well as international market,” she added.
KepMen 82 refers to the Indonesian government’s decision to limit coal and palm oil shipments to Indonesian-owned ships in the first instance, but this has been postponed until 2020.
In March, the company said it was investing in cargo transfer ships and barges to boost its domestic coal operations.
But the Jakarta-based owner said it “eventually plans to develop a global bulk shipping fleet.”
“We see many opportunities in the bulk shipping sector,” added Bethari.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/16052018/abl-needs-at-least-20-vessels-to-support-new-coal-barging-contract/
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