Indonesia’s state-owned port operator Pelabuhan Indonesia III (Pelindo III) has announced a plan to install shore power at all of its ports by the end of 2020.
The operator has already spent US$5m on installing shore power at 13 of its ports and terminals, with a further 30 installations required to meet the target.
Shore power enables vessels to plug in to the electricity grid when berthed, allowing engines to be switched off while providing power to critical functions. This method will also reduce the total emissions output of the company, particularly if the power comes from renewable sources. Pelindo III also claims an efficiency saving of up to 40% due to reduced loading times.
Pelindo III has also signed a deal with the state’s utility company Perusahaan Listrik Negara that is allowing it to use surplus electricity, with the result that the overall cost is lower than using imported fuel and gives the firm a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
“Today we signed a memorandum of understanding with PLN for PLN electricity surplus to be used through shore connections. This is a form of SOE synergy, one of the efforts to reduce logistics costs to increase logistics competitiveness,” said Doso Agung, president director of Pelindo III.
“By utilizing the shore connection, the ship’s fuel needs will automatically be reduced when it rests at the port and at this time, we are also exploring to use a shore connection at port/Private Interest Terminal (TUKS),” Doso added.