BP Batam transforms Batu Ampar Port into Smart Port
Source: The Jakarta Post
Date: November 19, 2021.
Badan Pengusahaan (BP) Batam has been developing the Batu Ampar Port into a Smart Port to boost the port's maximum effectiveness while providing low-cost services in the international sea trade sector.
To that end, BP Batam has installed InaPortnet, a single entry for ship-to-ship/floating storage unit (STS-FSU) activities, Foreign Ship Agency Notification (PPKA), and the BP Batam Seaport Information Management System (B-SIMS).
Another crucial implementation to improve the port's service effectiveness is the Autogate system. Vessels arriving and departing will be automatically recorded by the system round the clock.
The Autogate system also reduces queueing, which often leads to traffic congestion around the port. It also removes face-to-face procedures with Customs at the gate.
The Autogate system is an improvement from the Batam Logistic Ecosystem (BLE), launched earlier this year.
The BLE facilitates procedures such as STS-FSUs and other logistic arrangement services, ensuring that users operate efficiently with reduced costs. The BLE is a joint project between the Finance Ministry and the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister, the government, and BP Batam. It is a part of the National Logistic Ecosystem (NLE) which accommodates logistic communities.
Through the logistic ecosystem, importers and exporters can view and select prices and the quality of trucks, ships, and warehouse availability.
BP Batam also supports B-SIMS integrated with the Autogate system and Customs Temporary Storage (TPS) to accelerate item entry and departure. B-SIMS also improves the information tracking system for items stored in the TPS.
To date, a single entry for STS-FSU is in operation while the Autogate and Online TPS remain in the publicizing and simulation process.
The short-term construction of Batu Ampar (set from 2021-2025) begins with the dredging of the harbor pond with a depth of -12 meters low water at springtide (LWS) and the construction of a shipping container yard. The project continues with the reinforcement of the northern wharf and rearrangement of the main gate together with gate automation.
The Port Business Association of BP Batam will further provide six units of container cranes (CC), 12 units of rubber-tired gantry cranes, 24 units of truck heads, six units of reach stackers, three units of 40-ton top loaders, and 48 units of chassis.
The Batam port hopes to reach 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container streams and house ships with the capacity of 3000 TEUS or third-generation vessels for domestic containers by 2025.
At the moment, BP Batam is focusing on simplifying licensing services for consumable and import goods.
The Batu Ampar Port intends to pioneer green ports in Indonesia.
