Palembang, Indonesia
Palembang, Indonesia: Historic river port and former capital of the Sriwijaya maritime empire.
Port Overview
Palembang is the capital of South Sumatra, Indonesia, located on the banks of the Musi River in southern Sumatra. Covering around 350 square kilometers, it is the second-largest city on Sumatra after Medan. Strategically positioned near major river and maritime routes, Palembang has historical significance as the former capital of the Srivijaya maritime empire and remains a key regional trade hub. The port of Palembang handles approximately 500,000 TEUs annually, supporting the city’s role in regional logistics and commerce.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Palembang’s main port facilities include Boom Baru Port and the developing New Palembang Port. Boom Baru features specialized terminals for containers, dry bulk, and general cargo, with a container terminal handling around 82,500 TEUs annually. Key equipment includes 2 container cranes, 4 jib cranes, and 4 rail-mounted gantry cranes. Storage comprises covered and open warehouses. The New Palembang Port will expand capacity with modern terminals and advanced cargo handling systems, but currently, there are no AGVs in operation.
Container Terminals
Palembang’s main container terminal, Boom Baru Port, has approximately 2-3 berths dedicated to container operations and handles around 82,500–250,000 TEU annually. The terminal is semi-mechanized, featuring container cranes, jib cranes, and rail-mounted gantry cranes, but is not fully automated. Major operations are managed by Pelindo, with private stevedores also active. The port primarily serves regional trade and faces navigational limits due to river depth.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with modern equipment, supporting up to 250,000 TEU annually.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for bulk, breakbulk, and general cargo; 24/7 stevedoring; specialized berths for various cargo types.
- Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, provisions, pilotage, basic ship repair, and waste management.
- Warehousing: Covered and open storage areas totaling around 45,000 square meters.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance and documentation support for efficient cargo processing.
Global Connectivity
Palembang’s Boom Baru Port connects South Sumatra’s industrial region to domestic ports such as Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), and Belawan (Medan), as well as regional Southeast Asian markets. It serves as a key export hub for palm oil, coal, and manufactured goods, with river and road links supporting efficient cargo movement. Shipping routes primarily handle feeder and regional trade, integrating Palembang into Indonesia’s main maritime logistics network.
Port Statistics
Port of Palembang (Boom Baru), Indonesia – Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 82,500 TEUs annually
- World Ranking: Not ranked among major global container ports
- Number of Berths: 4 main berths
- Port Area: 24 hectares (18.5 hectares utilized)
- Shipping Lines: Serviced by regional and domestic shipping lines, connecting South Sumatra to other Indonesian ports
Boom Baru Port is a vital inland river port supporting regional trade and container movement in southern Sumatra.
