The program for the 12 tankers is part of a larger plan to enlarge the company's oil carrier fleet with 38 tankers of various types by 2007. Pertamina currently runs around 143 tankers with the bulk of the ships being rented.
The move has already proved to be a boon for local shipyards as the company has signed a contract for four new tankers from domestic ship makers at a cost of $US51.2 million, with delivery to be completed in the third quarter of 2003.
The Indonesian companies with which Pertamina had placed its order include PT Nan Indah Mutiara Shipyard in Batam that would produce two tankers, one with a displacement of 3,500 dwt and the other with a displacement of 6,500 dwt.
PT DPS Surabaya would make one 6.500 dwt tanker and PT PAL in Surabaya one 30,000 dwt tanker.
The company is also to sign a contract with PT Hyunday Aeavy Industry for two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC).
