Minister reiterates calls for oil, gas vessels to be repaired at domestic shipyards

Minister of Industry Saleh Husin reiterated calls for oil and gas vessels operating in the country to utilize domestic shipyards for repair and maintenance to support the industry.

He was speaking on Monday during the official launch of a self elevated and propelled utility platform (SEAPUP) 2 vessel owned by PT Swadaya Sarana Berlian in Marunda, Jakarta. Swadaya is engaged in providing services and support for the oil and gas industry.

Saleh said in a statement issued by the ministry that the domestic shipyard industry has shown significant progress during the past few years. He pointed out that the number of domestic shipyards has now increased to around 250, with production capacity of about 1 million DWT per year for construction of new vessels, and capacity of about 12 million DWT per year of vessel reparation. He said that the capacity will be further expanded in the future.

?We?re confident that the national (shipyard) industry is able to support the oil and gas production (activities). That?s why I ask and remind once again for vessels in the oil and gas sector such as SEAPUP 2 to be repaired at domestic shipyards such as those in Batam or elsewhere,? he said.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak