ONE Expands Belawan Service

Why It Matters

The addition strengthens Singapore’s role as a trans‑shipment hub and gives Indonesian exporters faster, more direct access to worldwide trade lanes, enhancing competitiveness in the region’s logistics ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• ONE adds Kuala Tanjung to Belawan Service 1.
• New rotation: Singapore–Belawan–Kuala Tanjung–Singapore.
• Service starts March 9, 2026 with MV Sinar Sunda.
• Direct routing reduces transit time for North Sumatra cargo.
• Enhances Singapore hub’s role in Indonesian trade.

Pulse Analysis

Ocean Network Express continues to leverage its expansive global network by expanding the Belawan Service 1, a key east‑west container lane that traditionally linked Singapore with Indonesia’s Belawan port. The inclusion of Kuala Tanjung, a fast‑growing deep‑water terminal in North Sumatra, reflects ONE’s strategy to capture emerging trade volumes and to diversify routing options for its customers. By integrating the new port into an existing Singapore‑centric rotation, the carrier not only adds capacity but also reinforces the strategic importance of Singapore as a regional hub for trans‑shipment and cargo consolidation.

For shippers, the direct Singapore‑Belawan‑Kuala Tanjung loop translates into measurable supply‑chain gains. Eliminating the need for secondary feeder connections shortens transit times, reduces handling costs, and improves inventory turnover for exporters of palm oil, rubber, and manufactured goods from North Sumatra. The March 9, 2026 launch, marked by MV Sinar Sunda’s maiden call, provides a reliable schedule that aligns with peak export windows, offering greater predictability in a market often challenged by port congestion and infrastructure bottlenecks.

The broader market impact extends beyond ONE’s service portfolio. Indonesia’s maritime trade is projected to grow at double‑digit rates over the next five years, and enhanced connectivity to Singapore’s hub positions the archipelago to capture a larger share of global container flows. Competitors are likely to respond with similar service extensions, intensifying competition on price and service reliability. As the region’s logistics landscape evolves, carriers that can deliver direct, efficient routes—like ONE’s new Kuala Tanjung call—will be better positioned to meet the rising demand for seamless, end‑to‑end supply‑chain solutions.