ROTTERDAM: The Port of Rotterdam Authority has partnered with the Indonesian Port Corporation Pelindo I to examine the possibility of developing a new deep sea port called Kuala Tanjung.
Located in Medan, North Sumatra in the North West of Indonesia, the port sits by the Strait of Malacca approximately 300 km from Penang in Malaysia and less than 800 km from Singapore.
The port authority will now carry out a feasibility study for the new port together with Pelindo I. As part of this process, a project organisation will be created, featuring both local and Rotterdam-based port authority employees. Depending on the study’s outcome, the port authority will decide whether or not to enter into a joint venture with Pelindo I.
Allard Castelein, CEO of Rotterdam’s port authority: “We want to share our knowledge in the construction, development and management of Kuala Tanjung.”
The development of a deep sea port in Indonesia forms part of the Dutch port’s foreign policy which has a focus on creating opportunities for Dutch companies abroad. Ahmed Aboutaleb, the Mayor of Rotterdam said that he hoped the new port would create many new jobs in Sumatra, adding: “This is a good opportunity to develop new activities and to attract investors.”
In 2003, Rotterdam’s port authority signed a joint venture with the Sultan of Oman – Sohar Industrial Port Company – for the development of the Port of Sohar.