CMA-CGM eyes Indonesian port project

French shipping giant CMA-CGM has expressed an interest in developing the hub port mega-project in Cilamaya, Karawang, West Java, according to Bisnis Indonesia.

President director of state port operator Pelindo II Richard Jose Lino revealed that the largest container operator from France was enthusiastic in building the hub port in Karawang, which is projected to replace Tanjung Priok port in the next 5-10 years.

According to him, the interests of several global companies were triggered by Pelindo II's plan to build a new port with a capacity of 10 million TEUs of containers per annum with a size of 10,000 hectares.

Lino explained the involvement of global companies was part of the strategy to make the new port in Karawang into a transhipment hub following the direct call commitment from and to the port.

"We have to work together with global shipping companies to garner financial support and secure ship arrivals."
Therefore, he said Pelindo II would hold a limited special tender for five global shipping companies to develop Karawang port. However, Lino declined to mention the names of the companies.

Lino hoped the government would issue a presidential decree to make Karawang port a special zone in a bid to make land acquisition process easier.

He also asked all parties, including the Ministry of Transportation, to endorse the construction of Karawang port to become a hub port replacing Tanjung Priok.

"If the government backs this plan, the port can be completed in five years."

(Source: Cargo News Asia)