Jakarta. BP Batam is aiming for a modern container port as a means to boost the city’s trade figures.

BP Batam’s head Muhammad Rudi recently flagged off the maiden shipment of the MV SITC Hakata to China. According to Muhammad Rudi, direct shipping is set to pave the way for a modern container port that meets international standards in Batam. He added that BP Batam would speed up Batu Ampar Container Port’s development so it could compete with its counterparts, be it at home or abroad.

“We will keep on building Batu Ampar port, so it is ready to compete and serve international standard unloading activities. Our job is to support Batam’s progress,” Rudi was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.

The MV SITC Hakata has a length-over-all of 162 meters. It boasts a 26-meter breadth and a capacity of 1,032 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). BP Batam is working alongside PT Persero Batam for its direct shipping to China.

"We should make the process easier. We also need to tighten the controls to drive Batam's progress, including unloading activities," Rudi said.