UN/LOCODE: IDBLW📍 Indonesia
Port of Belawan, Sumatra (UN/LOCODE IDBLW)
❖ Coordinates: 3.7843°N, 98.6942°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Jakarta
❖ UN/LOCODE: IDBLW
## About the Port
The Port of Belawan, identified by its UN/LOCODE IDBLW, is a pivotal international seaport situated in North Sumatra, Indonesia, at coordinates 3.784303 Latitude and 98.694221 Longitude. Operating within the Asia/Jakarta timezone, Belawan serves as the primary maritime gateway for the bustling metropolis of Medan and the broader Sumatera Utara province. Strategically positioned on the northeast coast of Sumatra, with direct access to the Malacca Strait, Belawan is indispensable for Indonesia's maritime trade, connecting the vast agricultural and industrial heartland of Northern Sumatra to global markets. Administered by PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), following the national port merger, it functions as a comprehensive multi-purpose port handling containerized cargo, general cargo, liquid and dry bulk commodities, and passenger traffic. Its critical role as a logistics hub for Western Indonesia underscores its strategic importance in regional and international supply chains.
## History
The genesis of Belawan Port dates back to the late 19th century during the Dutch colonial era, established primarily to facilitate the export of agricultural produce, notably tobacco, from the burgeoning plantations around Medan. Officially opened in 1890, its initial infrastructure was rudimentary, focusing on lighterage operations due to the shallow draft conditions of the Belawan River estuary. Throughout the early 20th century, the port underwent several phases of expansion, driven by the increasing demand for exports like rubber, palm oil, and coffee. Post-independence, the Indonesian government recognized Belawan's strategic potential, initiating modernization programs. Significant developments in the latter half of the 20th century included dredging campaigns to accommodate larger vessels and the construction of dedicated berths. The establishment of the Belawan International Container Terminal (BICT) in 1985 marked a transformative period, significantly boosting its capacity for container traffic and cementing its status as a modern international port. Subsequent upgrades have focused on enhancing efficiency, expanding storage capacities, and integrating advanced logistics technologies to meet contemporary shipping demands.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Belawan boasts extensive infrastructure designed to manage diverse cargo types efficiently. The port features multiple berths with varying drafts, capable of accommodating vessels up to 30,000 DWT for container vessels and larger for general cargo, though draft limitations in certain areas are continually addressed through maintenance dredging. Key facilities include:
* **Belawan International Container Terminal (BICT):** As the flagship terminal, BICT is equipped with modern Ship-to-Shore (STS) gantry cranes, Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, and vast container yard capacity, facilitating rapid turnaround times for container vessels. It handles a significant portion of Indonesia's regional container throughput.
* **General Cargo Terminal:** Dedicated berths and warehouses manage a wide array of breakbulk and project cargo, supported by an array of material handling equipment.
* **Liquid Bulk Terminal:** Specialized jetties and storage tanks handle petroleum products, crude palm oil (CPO), and other liquid commodities, critical for Sumatra's export economy.
* **Dry Bulk Terminal:** Facilities for handling bulk commodities such as fertilizers, animal feed, and cement, equipped with conveyor systems and large storage sheds.
* **Passenger Terminal:** The Sri Lelawangsa Terminal caters to domestic and international ferry services, particularly to Malaysia and other parts of Indonesia.
* **Logistics & Ancillary Services:** The port precinct includes extensive warehousing, a customs zone, bunkering services, pilotage, tugboat operations, and limited ship repair facilities, forming a comprehensive maritime ecosystem.
* **Intermodal Connectivity:** Belawan is well-integrated with its hinterland via robust road networks connecting to Medan and vital agricultural/industrial zones, alongside a railway connection, enhancing its multimodal logistics capabilities.
For more detailed information on operations and facilities, the official Pelindo website offers comprehensive insights into Indonesia's port network. Pelindo↗
## Economic Importance
The Port of Belawan is an economic linchpin for Sumatera Utara and a significant contributor to Indonesia's national economy. It acts as the primary conduit for the export of key Indonesian commodities, including crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivatives, rubber, coffee, cocoa, and timber products, which are vital foreign exchange earners. Conversely, it facilitates the import of essential raw materials for local industries, machinery, capital goods, and consumer products, sustaining regional manufacturing and consumption. The port's operations directly and indirectly generate substantial employment opportunities across the logistics, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. Its strategic location near the Malacca Strait also positions it as a potential hub for transshipment cargo, further boosting regional trade volumes. The efficiency and capacity of Belawan Port are paramount for the economic development of Northern Sumatra, driving investment, fostering industrial growth, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods integral to the prosperity of the region.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Belawan's position grants it access to a wide array of international and domestic trade routes. Internationally, it connects Northern Sumatra to major economic centers across Asia, particularly Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and South Korea, and extends its reach to Europe, the Middle East, and North America. These routes are predominantly served by feeder vessels connecting to larger hub ports within the region. Domestically, Belawan is a critical node in Indonesia's inter-island shipping network, linking Sumatera Utara with key ports like Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Surabaya, and Makassar, ensuring national distribution and connectivity.
**Major Cargo Handled:**
* **Exports:** The port is globally recognized for its significant exports of **Crude Palm Oil (CPO)** and its downstream products (e.g., refined bleached deodorized palm oil, fatty acids), being at the heart of Indonesia's palm oil industry. Other dominant exports include **natural rubber**, **coffee beans**, **cocoa**, **shrimp**, and various **agricultural products**.
* **Imports:** Key imports flowing through Belawan include **industrial machinery** and spare parts, **raw materials** for manufacturing (e.g., plastics, chemicals), **automobiles**, **consumer goods**, **foodstuffs**, and **construction materials**. The containerized trade reflects a balanced flow of manufactured goods and agricultural commodities.
The port's throughput figures consistently rank it among Indonesia's busiest container ports, underpinning its role as a vital gateway for goods entering and exiting Sumatra. Its sustained growth in cargo volume underscores its strategic importance for global maritime commerce, as detailed by industry analyses from reputable maritime intelligence platforms. For instance, reports from sources like Lloyd's List Intelligence frequently highlight Belawan's performance within the Southeast Asian shipping landscape.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
IDBLW
Country
Indonesia
Province / Region
Sumatera Utara
Latitude
3.784303
Longitude
98.694221
Timezone
Asia/Jakarta
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Belawan, Sumatra?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Belawan, Sumatra is IDBLW.
Where is Port of Belawan, Sumatra located?
The Port of Belawan, Sumatra is located in Indonesia, Sumatera Utara. Its coordinates are 3.7843°N, 98.6942°E.
What time zone is Port of Belawan, Sumatra in?
Port of Belawan, Sumatra operates in the Asia/Jakarta time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
📍 Nearby Ports
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