"We should laud this first vessel made using the latest technology of electric propulsion. Being built in the country, all components of the ship, including steel, are sourced from Indonesia," Hartarto stated.
Batam, Riau (ANTARA News) - Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto launched MV Iriana, a bulk cement transport vessel that uses electric propulsion technology, the first ever to be made in Indonesia by PT Sumber Marine Shipyard.

"We should laud this first vessel made using the latest technology of electric propulsion. Being built in the country, all components of the ship, including steel, are sourced from Indonesia," Hartarto stated during a launch ceremony in Batam, Riau, on Saturday.

The same technology was utilized first by Japan, but Indonesia has made some progress by implementing the electric propulsion technology using less fuel.

As compared to the Japanese technology, which can only save 10 percent fuel, Indonesias technology can save up to 20 percent fuel from the operation of the vessel weighing 10 thousand deadweight tonnage.

MV Iriana measures 117 meters in length, 25.5 meters in width, and 7.9 meters in height. It has a water depth of 6.3 meters and can achieve a speed of 10 knots.

The construction of this new industrial ship is in line with the governments measures to prioritize the maritime sector as part of the national development program, including the shipbuilding industry.

With a vision to increase global competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry, the government is making serious efforts to strengthen the countrys maritime sector to establish Indonesia as the worlds maritime axis.

Some major programs being developed to realize this target are those related to infrastructure development and maritime connectivity through the construction of sea toll, deep sea port, logistics, and the shipping industry.

On the other hand, the maritime vision provides an opportunity for the national shipbuilding industry to continue to grow, as the programs require more number of ships to serve the domestic market.

"With additional market opportunities, we expect our shipbuilding industry to increase its capacity and capability to meet the domestic needs," Hartarto noted.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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