IBT Q1 coal throughput drops sharply

South Kalimantan coal terminal operator PT Indonesia Bulk Terminal (IBT) shipped 790,000 tonnes of coal on 14 vessels in the fisrt quarter of 2009, or 46% below the plan and a 72% decrease compared to the 2.8 million tonnes loaded on 44 vessels over the same period in 2008, parent company PT.Adaro Energi reported on Thursday

Of the total 1Q09 amount, 309,530 tonnes were third party shipments, while for 1Q08, 554,490 tonnes were third party shipments, it said.

Adaro also reported that during the During 1Q09, IBT revenues decreased 59% to US$3.6 million, which after elimination for interrelated transactions revenues amounted to Rp24 billion (US$=Rp10,500).

In addition to existing 3rd party customers the IBT marketing team met with several prospective customers, including three blue-chip international firms, and progress was made, it reported.

Adaro reported on February 4, 2009 that IBT is expected to handle 6 million tonnes of coal through the Pulau Laut terminal this year, down from the 8.1 million tonnes exported in 2008.

IBT has a rated throughput of 12 million tonnes per annum and is able to load vessels of up to 80,000 DWT. (denny)