Abstract:
The accelerated growth of the nickel industry and the power sector in the Stardust Estate Investment (SEI) area of Kolonodale, Central Sulawesi, has triggered a surge in vessel traffic density at the PT Satya Amerta Havenport Terminal. As a Port Business Entity (BUP), PT Usaha Bersama Maritim bears full responsibility for providing safe and efficient pilotage services.
However, the limited number of certified pilots creates an imbalance between service capacity and the continuously increasing volume of ship visits. This condition has resulted in vessel queues, diminished operational performance, and inflated ship waiting times to berth, which financially penalizes shipping companies. This study aims to analyze the fulfillment of the ideal number of pilot personnel required to optimize the quality of piloting services and ensure maritime safety. The approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Data were gathered through a triangulation technique combining field observations during shore-based internship (August 2024-July 2025), in-depth interviews with key informants, and documentary studies of vessel arrival records. The results of data analysis indicate that delays in pilotage services and congestion in port waters are primarily caused by a deficit in the actual quantity of pilot personnel compared to the real workload, as well as an unoptimized duty scheduling system. To address these issues, recommended short-term strategies include optimizing shift distribution during peak hours, implementing vessel service priority scales based on cargo type and urgency, and strengthening digital coordination with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) stations. Meanwhile, long-term solutions focus on the gradual recruitment or addition of new pilots tailored to the mathematical formulation of vessel movement volumes, alongside periodic refresher training to enhance competence, aiming to achieve a modern, safe, and highly competitive port operation.
