REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA -- Director General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation, Bobby R. Mamahit, conducted keel laying for 50 units of pioneer vessels and three units of carrier vessels in PT. Dumas Tanjung Perak Shipyard in Surabaya, Wednesday (2/12).

"Construction of 50 units of pioneer vessels and three units of carrier vessels is funded by state budget for Fiscal of 2015-2017," Bobby said, in a press release received by Republika, Wednesday (2/12).

The pioneer vessels and carrier vessels consisted of 25 units 2,000 gross tons (GT) vessels, 20 units 1,200 GT vessels, and 5 units of 700 dead weight tons (DWT) vessels, with the timing of construction would be in 25 months. While the construction of three carrier vessels would be in three years.

Bobby explained, the construction of pioneer vessels was carried out in order to support the sea toll roads program and to support acceleration of national economic growth. It was also to improve connectivity between islands in remote areas and to ensure the availability of essential commodities and the growth centers of trade and industry.

"While the construction of carrier vessels is to realize safety of shipping in the waters of Indonesia," he added.

Read: Minister: Preparation for sea toll road project in 2015

These vessels were planned to support the task of Directorate General of Sea Transportation in navigation, such as installation and maintenance of Navigation Aids Support Shipping (SBNP).