RI?s coal loading capacity to expand in line with output increase

Coal mining firms in Indonesia planning for greater production in the years to come should have no difficulties in the shipment of their output as loading capacity at coal ports is also being expanded, according to a coal shipment expert.

"Indonesian coal loading capacity for 2001 is 97 million tons, which is still above this year?s expected coal production of 90 million tons," the expert, who declined to be identified, told Petromindo.com in an interview recently.

"In 2005, the (loading) capacity will expand to 130 million tons per annum to match the country's (coal) production of around 120 million tons," the expert added

He said that over the next four years several coal ports would boost their loading capacities.

Kideco would increase loading capacity from 8 million tons to 12 million tons per annum in 2005 while Arutmin will increase capacity from 8 million tons per year to 10 million. Both terminals are located in Kalimantan and are dedicated solely to the shipment of the companies' own production.

The Balikpapan coal terminal will boost loading capacity from 3 million to 5 million in 2005.

Meanwhile, state-owned coal firm PT Tambang Batu Bara Bukit Asam (PTBA) will expand loading capacity from 10 million tons to 15 million tons at its Tarahan coal port in Lampung and from 2 million tons to 3 million tons at the Teluk Bayur coal port in West Sumatra.

The expert also saw an increase in self-loading and direct barging from current 20 million tons per year to 30 million tons in 2005.

"Adaro is going to increase offshore loading capacity from 10 million tons per annum to 15 million tons in 2005, and Berau Coal will increase its floating platform loading facilities from 5 million tons per annum currently to 7 million tons," the expert said.(Alex)