This site uses cookie, to continue browsing this site means you agree to our cookie policy Find out more here. Use Latest Chrome version for the best experience.
The term logistics has become increasingly prominent and well-known in Indonesia, aligning with the government’s effort to engage all stakeholders in driving economic growth.
Logistics plays a strategic role in the economy to manage the movement of goods from one location to another to meet specific demands or consumption.
Anthony Brewer, an economist, even asserted that effective and efficient logistics operations can accelerate national economic and productivity growth. Higher effectiveness and efficiency of the logistics ensure greater economic growth.
However, the challenges in accomplishing effective and efficient logistics should not be underestimated. This is especially true in archipelagic nations like Indonesia, where 70 percent of its territory is water.
Still, overcoming such challenges is not impossible. The key to logistics effectiveness and efficiency lies in the transportation means used.
See also: Logistics Services vs. Freight Forwarding: Understanding The Distinctions
When the logistics involve sea transport, a high-speed ship with a large cargo capacity is undoubtedly a great solution. A specialized ship designed for logistics transportation is a cargo ship.
Currently, there are several cargo ships, each with specific functions and roles based on the commodities or goods to be transported. Moreover, the maritime range of cargo ships extends not only domestically but also internationally. Here are seven types of cargo ships commonly used in logistics transportation.
Container vessels are designed to transport standard containers efficiently. They are used for carrying items such as electronic products, clothing, or food. They can transport a significant quantity of containers in one trip.
General Cargo Ships are designed to transport goods that cannot be accommodated in containers, such as heavy machinery, excavators, or bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, etc.
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Ships feature openable doors, enabling the transportation of vehicles, from motorcycles and cars to trucks, buses, and heavy equipment like excavators. They are commonly known in two types: Pure Cars and Truck Carriers (PCTC) and Pure Car Carriers (PCC).
See also: What You Need to Know About RORO Ships: Types and Functions in Logistics
LNG carriers exclusively transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquid natural gas. LNG is a particular fuel industries use in their production due to its efficiency and eco-friendliness.
Large Crude Carriers or LCCs are large tankers commonly used to transport crude oil in quantities up to thousands of tons. LCCs are equipped with advanced safety and fire prevention devices, navigation systems, and environmental monitoring systems.
Reefer vessels transport goods susceptible to damage or spoilage, such as food, beverages, meat, and similar items.
They have advanced cooling systems to maintain the items’ good condition. They are also predominantly found sailing the seas due to the constant daily shipping of food items.
Break Bulk Vessels are specifically designed for transporting bulk goods like iron ore, coal, salt, sand, and more. They have large cargo capacity and are equipped with spacious, robust storage compartments to withstand heavy cargo loads.
They are crucial in the mining and energy industries. Their existence is closely tied to importing and exporting commodities like mining, processed agricultural, and plantation products.
See also: Warehouse Definition, Types, and Functions in Logistics Services
For those involved in shipping or importing goods, comprehending the types of cargo ships is crucial. Additionally, it requires careful measurement of the cargo volume and shipping service rates, as well as the selection of a ship operating company that is trustworthy and recognized for its credibility.
With extensive experience in the industry, SELOG, a PT Serasi Autoraya or SERA business line and part of PT Astra International Tbk, is one of these logistics companies.
Initially established to provide vehicle rental solutions, SERA has become the largest, industry-leading transportation provider.
With over 32 years of experience, SERA continues innovating, providing effective, efficient, and high-quality logistics services through SERA Logistic (SELOG).
SELOG is here to serve the customers’ needs in end-to-end logistics through diverse services. It includes Contract Logistics, Shipping Services, Shipping Agency, Freight Forwarding, Warehouse and Yard Management, and Courier Services.
SELOG services are supported by cutting-edge digital technology, making customers’ businesses easier, more effective, and more efficient.
With its Astra Fleet Management Solution (FMS), SELOG provides businesses in Indonesia with IT-based comprehensive solutions for managing fleet vehicles.