Optimistic to Increase Export Speed, Meratus Opens International Routes to Papua New Guinea
JAKARTA - As a leading maritime and logistics integrator in Indonesia, Meratus has launched another international service that has expanded beyond Asia to Oceania, namely PNG Express. This service is the first Indonesian-flagged ship to set foot in Papua New Guinea.
This service carries Meratus' objective of being able to connect Indonesia with other countries in the world. Papua New Guinea was chosen as the location for the expansion in early 2023 with reference to the economic impact which has become the focus of several countries in efforts to tackle the global recession. Based on the 2022 balance of trade, non-oil and gas exports to Papua New Guinea are also promising and are predicted to continue to increase.
"PNG Express will provide great opportunities for exporters and importers from numerous countries. Moreover, we want to be a driving force in activating trade connectivity which provides a spark for the economy," said Keith Choo, Chief Trade Officer of Meratus.
Ahmad Mimbar, Operational Director of PT IPC Terminal Petikemas (IPC TPK) was also present at the release of the Meratus Gorontalo ship to the PNG Express route on Wednesday, 8 February 2023 at Terminal 3 International Tanjung Priok. Mimbar stated that IPC TPK fully supports the opening of Meratus' new route to develop export and import container flows and increase transhipment flows via Tanjung Priok Port.
"Hopefully it will be the opening for Meratus to add more new international trades and continue to be a pioneer of the future of integrated maritime and logistics in Indonesia. Let's join hands together to build Indonesia's maritime connectivity," said Ahmad.
Through the PNG Express, actually five countries can directly connect, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea itself. This service will launch every month with various additional services from Meratus that can be integrated.
"Meratus has always contributed to the success of Indonesian exporters by offering supply chain solutions from all over the country, now it is the time for us to make a bigger impact on this country with a global network and inspire various parties to continue to contribute," said Farid Belbouab, CEO of Meratus.
Supported by more than 40 routes, 35 agency networks, 65 own container ships, two container terminals and more than 15 onshore container logistics centers and warehouses, Meratus continues to innovate in an effort to help the economy and expedite logistics flows both domestic and international. (*)
