INSA: Nusantara Regas? ship tender not according to regulations

The Indonesian National Shipowners Association (INSA) said a $180.67 million worth of ship tender conducted by PT Nusantara Regas, a joint venture of PT Perusahaan Gas Negara and PT Pertamina, was breaking rules, Bisnis Indonesia reported Tuesday.

Chairman Johnson W. Sutjipto said Regas should have prioritized local companies ahead of foreign companies in the tender, in line with regulations related with cabotage principle.

Owner of PT Berlian Laju Tanker Surya Hadi mimicked Sutjipto?s comments by saying Regas have breached Transport Ministry from failing to involve local shipping companies in tender.

Meanwhile, Harry Karyuliarto, the corporate secretary of Pertamina, which has 60 percent stake in Regas, said that PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi was the only local company which owns LNG tanker, which it already leased to other company.

Regas is conducting a tender for LNG carrier over a period of 11 years and inviting bids from Japan, Malaysia, Norway and Europe. The winner, which will transport LNG to floating gas storage in Jakarta bay, is expected to be announced in December. Regas said it requires ships participating in the tender to have a capacity of between 125,000 cubic meters and 137,000 cubic meters. (*)