Kalimantan. For industries such as oil and gas, smooth operations depend heavily on reliable and integrated logistics support. Materials, equipment, and other operational requirements must be managed and mobilized on time to ensure activities at project sites can run efficiently.

Amid these needs, shorebases have become an important part of the oil and gas supply chain and logistics network, helping companies improve the efficiency of mobilizing operational requirements.

Simply put, a shorebase is a land-based logistics support facility connected to operational activities in waters or offshore work sites. A shorebase generally consists of a dock or port facility, laydown areas, warehouses, storage facilities, and other supporting infrastructure used to receive, store, prepare, and mobilize various operational requirements.

Several shorebases are already operating across Indonesia, including in Lamongan, Sampang, Penajam, Batam, and Lhokseumawe. Some of these facilities have been operating for years and have experience supporting various oil and gas activities, ranging from exploration and drilling to production. Beyond serving as storage facilities, shorebases support a range of activities, including berthing, cargo handling, and the mobilization of materials and equipment to operational sites.

Understanding Shorebases and Their Role in the Oil and Gas Industry
The role of shorebases becomes increasingly important for oil and gas activities conducted offshore. Different stages of operations, from exploration and drilling to field development and production, require logistics support with varying characteristics and requirements. Some equipment also has long procurement lead times, making careful supply chain planning essential.

During the exploration and drilling stages, for example, logistics requirements may include drilling equipment, supporting materials, and various supplies needed throughout the operations. During the production stage, these requirements may shift toward the regular delivery of materials, equipment, and other operational supplies to support activities in the field.

These conditions mean that shorebases serve not only as supporting facilities but also as key logistics management points within the offshore oil and gas supply chain.

Such facilities help accommodate different logistics requirements at each stage of operations, depending on the type of work and the characteristics of the locations being served.

The Role of Shorebases in Indonesia
One of the shorebases operating in Indonesia is Eastkal Shorebase, located in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan.

Pelabuhan Penajam Banua Taka (Eastkal) provides integrated port services operating 24 hours a day, including berthing, cargo handling, storage, and other supporting services. These services cover various port activities related to the movement and handling of operational requirements.

Cargo handled in oil and gas activities can vary in terms of size, weight, dimensions, and complexity. These characteristics make operational readiness and safety important aspects of the handling process, including the availability of appropriate equipment and the competence of the workforce involved.

At Eastkal, experience in handling cargo such as Christmas Trees, or X-Trees, and risers reflects these operational requirements. Its activities are supported by equipment and personnel certified for the oil and gas industry.

The need for proper cargo handling is also accompanied by the implementation of relevant operational standards. Quality, environmental management, occupational health and safety, and facility security are among the aspects addressed at Eastkal through the implementation of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

In addition to these standards, Eastkal's operations are supported by various permits covering port operations, logistics, environmental management, and operational support facilities.

These include a Port Business Entity (BUP) license, Bonded Logistics Center (PLB) status, an operational permit for a Liquid Mud Plant (LMP), environmental feasibility approval, and permits related to hazardous and toxic waste, or B3 waste, management.

The range of permits reflects that shorebase management involves not only facility readiness but also compliance with various requirements supporting the continuity of operations.

“In oil and gas activities, shorebases play a significant role in the supply chain and can also affect the smoothness of field operations. Therefore, it is important to consider not only the facilities and services available, but also how all activities are carried out properly, safely, and in accordance with applicable permits and standards,” said Fatoni Tahar Hidayat, Chief of Operations at Eastkal.

Managing a shorebase requires comprehensive readiness. Beyond ensuring that facilities and services are available, operational aspects, safety, and compliance with applicable permits and standards are also important to ensure activities can run optimally.

These requirements highlight how shorebases form part of the broader logistics chain supporting oil and gas operations. From exploration to production, each stage has different logistics needs, while shorebases serve as one of the key points connecting onshore requirements with offshore operations.

Add as a preferred source on Google +