IndoDefence 2018: BMC Shipyard Showcases Latest Tanker for TNI AL.

At IndoDefence 2018, the tri service defense exposition currently held in Jakarta, Indonesia, local shipyard BMC (PT. Batamec) is showcasing the latest Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Tanker design built for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).

KRI Bontang scale model at Indodefence 2018. Navy Recognition picture.

One of the scale models on BMC stand shows KRI Bontang (hull number 907) which was launched on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the shipyard in Batam. It is the shipyard's latest project.

KRI Bontang (907) is a sistership to KRI Tarakan (905) which was built by PT Dok and Shipping of Kodja Bahari.

The class is designed to carry out RAS missions. It can carry up to 5,500 m3 of fuel as well as solid stores (such as ammunition, food, medical supplies...). It is fitted with two refuelling station (port and starboard). KRI Bontang has a length of 123.5 meters, a breadth of 16.5 meters and a beam of 9 meters. Its maximum speed is 18 knots. It endurance is 30 days at sea with a crew complement of 109 sailors.

Launch of KRI Bontang in September 2018.

Its weapons systems for self-defense include 2x 20 mm canons and 2x 12.7mm machine guns.

Talking to Navy Recognition at Indodefence 2018, a BMC shipyard representative explained that the ship was design to conduct underway replenishment for the PKR Frigate, the LPD and the Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Indonesian Navy. TNI AL potentially needs six more of these vessels in its fleet.

Delivery of KRI Batang to TNI AL is set for April 2019.