Indonesia seeks 9,600 additional ships by 2029 to boost maritime connectivity

Indonesia faces a significant demand for maritime vessels, with an estimated need for 9,600 additional ships by 2029 to support national connectivity and sea transport transformation. According to the Ministry of Industry, the total requirement through 2029 is approximately 15,000 units, of which 5,400 have already been constructed.

Anita Puji Utami, Chairperson of the Indonesian Shipbuilding and Offshore Facilities Institution (IPERINDO), is urging the government to implement procurement policies that prioritize the domestic shipbuilding industry. IPERINDO, which represents 281 member companies, maintains a production capacity of up to 1,200 vessels per year, including commercial ships, tankers, and passenger vessels.

Minister of Industry M Sarmuji noted that the difficulty in securing specific large-capacity vessels, such as 17,800 DWT ships, presents a major opportunity for local shipyards. He highlighted that while countries like Vietnam have successfully produced large tankers, Indonesia currently relies on imports for much of its large-scale tanker needs.