ertamina is racing to secure the release of two of its tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf through diplomatic channels, as analysts warn that the recent United States-Iran ceasefire does little to guarantee safe passage through the politically charged Strait of Hormuz.
The two vessels in question are the Pertamina Pride and the Gamsunoro, both owned by Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), the state-owned energy company’s shipping and logistics arm.
“Together with the Foreign Ministry, PIS continues to monitor developments 24/7 and discuss technical preparations to ensure the safe passage of both vessels,” acting PIS corporate secretary Vega Pita said on Wednesday, without disclosing details on what is holding up the process.
The company says its top priority remains the safety of all crew members, as well as the security of the vessels and their cargo.
“We ask for the prayers and support of all Indonesians, so that this process can be completed,” she added.
The Pertamina Pride is a very large crude carrier (VLCC), or supertanker, with a capacity of more than 300,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), capable of carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil.
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The Gamsunoro, on the other hand, is an Aframax-class medium-sized tanker with a capacity of 100,000 DWT.