Coal infrastructure and logistics firm PT Indonesia Bulk Terminal (IBT), a subsidiary of PT Adaro Energy Tbk, plans to increase the capacity of its handling service by 15 percent to 6 million tons this year.

IBT’s marketing manager Bram A. Surjadi said in Pulau Laut, South Kalimantan province, over the weekend that the extra capacity was needed to meet the surging demand for exports.

“The growing demand for coal from China and India means more traders need coal handling services and IBT will seize this good opportunity,” Bram said during a press tour at IBT on Saturday.

IBT previously handled the larger part of its parent company PT Adaro Energy’s coal, Bram said. Now, the majority of Adaro Energy is handled by the company’s Permata Barito floating crane in the Taboneo Sea, South Kalimantan, he said.

With the change, 80 percent of IBT’s coal handling capacity can now be offered to other coal miners, he said.

IBT is the developer and operator of Pulau Laut Coal Terminal on the southern tip of the island of Pulau Laut. It offers coal stockpiling, blending and loading.

Bram expressed optimism that the target could be achieved despite the tough competition.

IBT’s coal blending facility allows its customers to blend their various coal products to meet market requirements either through stockpile recirculation or during out-loading, he said.

Currently, IBT is in contract talks with five traders. “The traders are expected to sign a long-term contract with IBT. Besides, the number of inquiries is on the increase,” he said.

Bram also unveiled IBT’s plan to double the number of stockpiles to 16 from the current eight as part of its long-term expansion program. The company’s eight stockpiles have a total capacity of 800,000 tons.

Separately, IBT port manager Trevor Shipton said the company represented a key link between the fast expanding coal mining industry in Indonesia and its customers worldwide, enabling Indonesian coal to increase its significant role in the world coal industry.

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