Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) has expanded its fleet with the addition of two Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC), optimised for transporting LPG commodities domestically and internationally.
The two VLGCs, VLGC Pertamina Gas Tulip and VLGC Pertamina Gas Bergenia, are the world’s largest gas tankers, utilising the latest environmentally friendly technology. The twin tankers were built at the Hyundai Samho shipyard in South Korea and were officially launched on 9 January 2024.
The joint ownership of these two tankers is the outcome of a collaborative effort between PIS and BGN, a global energy trading company, which began with the Memorandum of Understanding signing in December 2022.
These latest VLGCs have met the requirements for international sailing, allowing them to expand their market presence globally to enhance Indonesia’s reputation.
CEO of PIS, Yoki Firnandi, emphasized PIS’ significant role as the Sub-Holding Integrated Marine Logistics (SH IML) of Pertamina in ensuring the national energy distribution in Indonesia, a country consisting mainly of islands and seas.
The latest VLGCs, according to Nicke, have the advantage of being environmentally friendly, featuring dual-fuel tanks that optimise low-sulfur fuel and gas. They can transport gas or LPG and petrochemical commodities such as ammonia.
The cutting-edge technology of VLGC Pertamina Gas Tulip and VLGC Pertamina Gas Bergenia have incorporated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in their operations. With the addition of these ships, the PIS fleet now totals 97 units, with 61 tanker ships operating internationally.