MSC Aria III marks the start of weekly container services at Patimban, offering a vital alternative to Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port.
Patimban Global Gateway Terminal in West Java has received its first regular weekly container service with the arrival of MSC Aria III, reported Amsterdam's Breakbulk News.
The Liberian-flagged vessel made its maiden call on July 9, loading 761 boxes, equivalent to 1,473 TEU, before sailing for Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. This service provides West Java's exporters and importers with their first fixed weekly alternative to Jakarta's congested Tanjung Priok port.
Operated under MSC's Seahorse Service, the loop connects Patimban with Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Laem Chabang, Singapore, and Pasir Gudang. MSC has expanded the rotation to five ships, each with a capacity of about 2,800 TEU, to maintain a weekly frequency.
Pierre Avesque, president director of PT Patimban Global Gateway Terminal, stated that this service is a key first step ahead of the commissioning of ship-to-shore gantry cranes and rubber-tyred gantries by December 2026. MSC Indonesia managing director Renaud Durteste noted that this call marks a milestone in the company's commitment to Indonesia.
The terminal is owned by Africa Global Logistics with 45 percent, Toyota Tsusho Corporation with 34 percent, and Samudera Pelabuhan Indonesia with 21 percent. The consortium secured US$73.6 million in 2025 for equipment and holds a 37-year operating agreement.
Patimban is being developed in stages toward a target capacity of approximately 3.7 million TEU annually. Toyota Tsusho already operates the automobile terminal. Local port authority officials indicated that the inaugural service reflects growing confidence in Patimban's readiness to attract more carriers once new cranes are installed.
