Pertamina plans to set up shipping brokerage unit

The state-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina plans to set up its own shipping brokerage unit to ensure smooth transportation of its crudes and fuel products, according to a source.

The source told Petromindo.com that the company?s board of directors were currently studying the plus and minuses of the plan.

The source said that the plan was triggered by bad experience the company encountered with external shipping brokerages.

If the plan is realized, Pertamina plans to purchase new 120,000 deadweight ton tankers to add to its current active fleet of 30 vessels.

Currently, Pertamina hired some 120 oil tankers from local and foreign shipping brokerages including PT Berlian Laju Tanker and Humpus.(amoros)