Bandarlampung, Lampung(ANTARA News) - The operation of five thousand-gross tonnage (GT) ships on the Merak-Bakauheni ferry lines, as necessitated by a ministerial decree, effective December 24, 2018, will increase transportation capacity, convenience, and passenger safety, a transportation observer stated.

Based on Transportation Ministerial Decree No. PM 88 of 2014, each ship to be operated on the Merak-Bakauheni routes, starting December 24, 2018, should be of at least five thousand GT.

"I am confident all companies have made preparations to implement the ministerial regulation that will come in force from Dec 14," transportation observer Ilham Malik stated here on Monday.

He said the process of drafting until the issuance of the regulation had been discussed along with all stakeholders, such as companies or operators and other related experts.

Hence, the operators were not justified in saying they were not yet prepared. This holds significance since the increase in GT will also boost the ferry`s capacity and reduce the vehicle waiting time at piers of both the Merak and Bakauheni ports.

"Ready or not, operators must be prepared to raise their fleet`s status. Hopefully, all operators would have completed preparing their ships before Dec 24," he added.

Reporting by T Subagyo and Emir FS.
Editing by Andi Abdussalam

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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