Pertamina boosts fleet with new eco-friendly VLGC pair

Indonesia’s Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) has welcomed two new very large gas carriers (VLGCs) into the fleet, Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia.

Each of the new tankers measures 300 meters in length, with a capacity of 91,000 cbm. They were constructed at Hanwha Ocean, a shipbuilding heavyweight located in South Korea.

The two giant tankers were officially launched on May 9, 2024, at Hanwha-Okpo Shipyard in Geoje City. These new vessels are specifically optimized for transporting commodities such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as other petrochemicals such as propylene and ammonia, intended for international trade routes.

“These VLGCs signify more than just vessels; but a testament to international collaboration, technological advancement, and an unwavering commitment to bolstering Indonesia’s energy security. We believe this international collaboration can enhance the capabilities of PIS, as part of Pertamina, in strengthening energy infrastructure,” Secretary of the Indonesian Ministry of SOEs, Rabin Indrajad Hattari commented.

“As we expand our fleet with advanced, modern vessels, we create opportunities for our skilled workforce, boost our maritime capabilities, and elevate Indonesia’s standing as a leading regional force in the shipping sector,” he added.

According to Pertamina, these vessels are currently the world’s largest environmentally-friendly giant gas tankers equipped with the latest technology. They are scheduled to embark on their inaugural voyage from Houston, United States, in early May 2024.

“As we continue to grow our environmentally-friendly VLGC fleet, we affirm our commitment to supporting the energy transition and fostering sustainable business development,” CEO of Pertamina International Shipping Yoki Firnandi stated.

Specifically, Pertamina Gas Caspia and Pertamina Gas Dahlia have several new features, such as the highest load flexibility in their class, up to 39 cargo combinations, and full accommodation anti-piracy measures for crew safety and comfort.

As part of Pertamina’s sustainability commitments, the vessels are equipped with energy-saving devices and shaft generators that are expected to increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. They use environmentally-friendly dual-fuel and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce acid rain (NOx) pollution.

To remind, in January this year, Pertamina also welcomed two new VLGCs into its fleet.

Previously, the company had several new environmentally-friendly dual-fuel LPG tankers in Indonesia, including Pertamina Gas 1, Pertamina Gas 2, Pertamina Gas Amaryllis, Pertamina Gas Tulip, and Pertamina Gas Bergenia.

With the addition of these vessels, PIS’s fleet now totals 102 units, consisting of very large crude carriers (VLCCs), very large gas carriers (VLGCs), Suezmax vessels, and other fleets of various sizes, with 60 of them serving international routes.