Club correspondents SPICA have reported that the planned mineral export ban may be brought forward. They report as follows:
“Many in the shipping community have been aware of the looming ban on raw nickel ore export out of Indonesia as governed by Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) No. 11 of 2019 which was to take effect from January 1, 2020.
However, Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia said a mutual agreement of the entrepreneurs and the nickel association will take effect, Tuesday (29/10). "The last nickel ore export is tonight," Bahlil said in a press conference at his office, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/10).
Although, it has been on the horizon, the sudden implementation of the ban has surprised many in the shipping community, but it does appear from the Bahlil press conference that 29 October 2019 will be the last day of raw material loading in Indonesia.
"Government to Ban Nickel Ore Exports Starting 29 October 2019
In addition to speeding up the export ban the government finally stopped exporting nickel ores.
This decision was faster than the ban on nickel exports in accordance with Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) No. 11 of 2019 which was to take effect from January 1, 2020. Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia said the agreement took effect tomorrow, Tuesday (29/10). "The last nickel ore export is tonight," Bahlil said in a press conference at his office, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/10). Although not based on official regulations, this acceleration, according to him, was decided by mutual agreement of the entrepreneurs and the nickel association."
We are currently working on getting the official position of the Indonesian government on the subject. It is too early to give a comprehensive overview of what will be happening at individual places and the position may change suddenly.
This development may of course create a number of issues with vessels not yet departed but fully loaded, half loaded vessels, or vessels waiting to be loaded at anchorages in Indonesia.
Spica, Indonesia will be available to assist as soon as we get verified information.”
Our thanks to correspondents SPICA for this update.
Meantime Members are reminded of Club Circular L.153 dated February 2011 and L.185 dated May 2012 concerning dangers relating to the carriage of nickel ore cargoes from Indonesia and the Philippines – including the requirement for mandatory notification to the Club of any such voyages.
