Singapore eyes PTBA?s coal transportation project

Singaporean investors have expressed their interest to cooperate with the South Sumatra provincial administration to cooperate in the development of waterway transportation system for the shipment of coal from PT Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA)?s coal mining site in Tanjung Enim regency to Tanjung Api Api port which is now under construction.

"We will cooperate with PTBA in the construction of the waterway and the procurement of special ships for the transportation of the coal to Tanjung Api-Api port," Singaporean trade representative Sim told reporters after meeting with the province?s tops officials.

During the meeting Sim was accompanies by senior officials of Singapore?s Economic Development Board (EDB). The meeting was held as the follow up of a similar meeting between South Sumatra Governor Rosihin Anwar and Singapore officials in Singapore recently.

No concrete proposal was made during Thursday?s meeting but Singaporean delegates hoped they would be involved in the construction of the waterway for the shipment of the coal to the port.

Coalmine operator PTBA at present relies on a railway transportation to transport its coal to both local and foreign buyers. The coal is transported by cargo trains to coal terminal in Tarahan, Panjang Lampung before being shipped to buyers. (*)