JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Offshore North West Java (PHE ONWJ) has officially decommissioned the Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel Arco Ardjuna on August 17, 2024, coinciding with Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day.

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi Offshore North West Java (PHE ONWJ) is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, which is part of Indonesia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina. PHE ONWJ operates in the upstream oil and gas sector, focusing on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Specifically, PHE ONWJ manages oil and gas operations in the North West Java (ONWJ) block, located offshore in the Java Sea. The company is involved in various activities, including the operation and management of offshore oil platforms and storage facilities, such as the Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessels.

The ceremony was led by General Manager Muzwir Wiratama, who signaled the vessel’s departure by sounding a hand horn from the central plant flowstation, located approximately one kilometer from the FSO.

“Today, we are not just saying farewell to a vessel; we are honoring the legacy of FSO Arco Ardjuna, a facility with a rich history,” Muzwir stated in a press release.

The departure of the FSO was met with enthusiasm from the crew, as the long blast of the hand horn resonated over the waves of the Java Sea. This moment of reflection symbolized appreciation for the vessel’s dedicated service over more than five decades.

Five surrounding ships responded by activating their firefighting systems, spraying water and waving to mark the occasion.

Muzwir added, “May the valuable legacy of Arco Ardjuna continue to inspire us in our future endeavors, motivating us to work reliably and safely to meet the nation’s energy needs.”

The FSO Arco Ardjuna, the oldest floating oil storage facility still in operation globally, was first commissioned by Arco in 1972. Its management transitioned with the change of the ONWJ work area and was ultimately managed by PHE ONWJ in 2009.

Throughout its service, the FSO has achieved an exemplary safety record, with no lost time incidents (LTI) since 2011. This record highlights its status as one of the safest workplaces for its crew.

The final oil lift from FSO Arco Ardjuna occurred on August 14, 2024, transferring 200,000 barrels of crude oil to the tanker MT Success Dalia XLVIII for delivery to the Plaju refinery in Palembang. Over its operational lifetime, the FSO has stored and delivered approximately 1.28 billion barrels of crude oil, significantly contributing to national energy security.

Weighing 153,202 tons, the FSO has a length of 142.6 meters, a width of 48.2 meters, and a storage capacity of one million barrels.

PHE ONWJ is a subsidiary of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), responsible for upstream oil and gas operations in Indonesia, coordinating activities across several regions including Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, Bangka Belitung, West Java. ( Uki Ruknuddin)