Jakarta: State-owned shipping line PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) is looking to open a cargo route from Jakarta to East Java, taking advantage of the Transportation Ministry’s upcoming short-sea shipping policy aimed at reducing congestion on roads.
“Our vessels could be used as an initial pilot for the short-sea shipping service should the ministry aim to procure new ships to support the policy,” a Pelni spokesperson told reporters on the sidelines of Pelni’s 62nd anniversary celebration.
Amid the emergence of budget airlines, Pelni has suffered from a decline in passengers. The firm is now trying to increase the contribution of cargo to its business to 50% this year, up from only 30% last year, in order to continue operating. The firm booked a Rp 630bn loss last year. [29/04/14]
