MT Alpine Spirit: Docking Repair, Flag Change and Agency Support in Batam

Batam Shipping Agency, operated by PT. Bisa Jasa Segara, was directly appointed by the vessel owner to support MT Alpine Spirit during her docking repair period in Batam, Indonesia.

MT Alpine Spirit is a 2011-built crude oil tanker. The vessel arrived in Batam on 25 May 2026 under Panama flag to carry out docking repair at a major shipyard in Batam. During the same docking period, the vessel also underwent a flag change process to Marshall Islands.

This was not only a routine docking call. The project required close coordination between the vessel, owner’s representatives, shipyard, class society, vendors, logistics providers, immigration-related parties, and local authorities. For Batam Shipping Agency, the main objective was to ensure that the vessel’s activities in Batam could be carried out properly, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable Indonesian regulations.

Agency Formalities and Local Coordination

As the appointed local agent in Batam, BSA assisted MT Alpine Spirit with the required port procedures and formalities so that the vessel could stay and carry out her activities in Batam in compliance with local rules and regulations.

The agency support included coordination related to the vessel’s arrival, stay at shipyard, docking-related activities, crew movement, vendor attendance, ship spares delivery, and departure formalities.

During a docking project, agency work is often connected to many moving parts at the same time. Documentation, immigration arrangements, vendor access, shipyard requirements, and authority approvals must be handled in a coordinated manner. This is especially important when the vessel is also undergoing flag change during the docking period.

Crew Support, Shore Pass and Medical Assistance

BSA also supported the vessel’s crew during her stay in Batam. This included arranging shore passes for crew members who needed to go ashore, as well as assisting with crew welfare requirements during the docking period.

When medical attention was required, BSA arranged the necessary assistance. One of the services provided was a doctor’s visit for the Master to consult an ENT specialist for throat pain and irritation.

These types of support may look simple, but they are important during a busy docking schedule. A vessel in shipyard requires not only formal documentation support, but also practical assistance for the people onboard.

Crew Change Arrangement

Crew change was also part of BSA’s scope during MT Alpine Spirit’s call in Batam.

BSA coordinated the sign-off process for five crew members, consisting of three painters, one Able Seaman, and one 3rd Engineer. At the same time, BSA also arranged the sign-on process for one joining 3rd Engineer.

The crew change support included immigration formalities, Exit Permit Only arrangements for off-signing crew, visa processing for the joining crew, pick-up arrangement, sign-on coordination, and the necessary process until the joining crew could safely board the vessel.

For vessel owners and managers, proper crew change handling is important to avoid unnecessary delay and to ensure crew movement is completed in line with port and immigration requirements.

Superintendent, Vendor and Technician Attendance

During the docking period, BSA coordinated the attendance of multiple foreign technicians and service engineers appointed by the owner and various vendors.

Based on available operational records, at least 25 technicians attended the vessel in Batam. Their work covered several specialist service areas, including main engine turbocharger work, lubricator inspection, gas detection system service, main engine pneumatic system support, routine machinery maintenance, stern tube seal renewal, maker system inspection, ballast water treatment system service, rope access UTG, thermography inspection, boiler inspection, and other supporting works.

Additional service activities coordinated during the same period included 15 PPM and ODME annual calibration, OWS calibration, speed log troubleshooting, thermography inspection, five-yearly inspection of lifeboats, and load testing of lifeboat and rescue boat equipment.

For each attendance, BSA supported the required entry arrangements into Indonesia, hotel accommodation, arrival and departure handling, daily transportation between hotel and shipyard, and communication with the shipyard for safety induction schedules.

Safety induction was an important requirement before technicians and vendors could enter the shipyard and carry out their work onboard. Through proper coordination, BSA helped ensure that the required specialist works could proceed in line with the docking schedule.

Ship Spares Logistics from Singapore to Batam

Another important part of the project was the handling of ship spares arranged by the owner through various overseas vendors.

The spare parts delivered to the vessel covered a wide range of machinery and operational requirements, including main engine turbocharger spares, fuel pump components, cylinder liner parts, stuffing box spares, governor overhauling spares, main engine piston, fuel valve, jacket cooling pump, auxiliary engine spares, cargo oil pump spares, inert gas fan spares, BWTS sludge pump, incinerator parts, special tools, valve seat rings, and lube oil sample kits.

Based on available partial shipment records, BSA coordinated the delivery onboard of approximately 1.8 tons of ship spares as part of the vessel’s docking support. These spares were shipped through different vendors and logistics channels, including airfreight shipments, local collection in Singapore, and supplier deliveries from overseas.

This work required more than simple forwarding. BSA assisted with the required customs and supporting documentation, coordinated collection from Singapore warehouses and suppliers, arranged suitable transportation to Batam, and liaised with the shipyard to obtain permission for the spares to enter the yard and be delivered onboard.

For a docking vessel, timely delivery of spares is closely connected to repair progress, class requirements, and the vessel’s departure schedule. In this project, BSA’s role was to ensure that the movement of critical spares could be coordinated properly between the owner, vendors, logistics providers, customs-related parties, shipyard, and vessel representatives.

Docking Repair Progress

MT Alpine Spirit underwent docking repair works at a major shipyard in Batam. The repair period involved coordination between the vessel, shipyard, class society, owner’s representatives, attending vendors, and service providers.

During the docking period, BSA remained involved in supporting the vessel’s operational requirements, documentation flow, vendor access, logistics support, and communication with relevant parties.

Additional Operational Support

Beyond the main agency, immigration, customs, and logistics scope, BSA also supported several ad-hoc operational and crew welfare requirements during the vessel’s stay in Batam.

These included supplying portable rechargeable LED lights, coordinating the delivery of a 500-bar hydro jetting machine for onboard use, and arranging crew lunch delivery during the docking period.

Responsive support means being available not only for formal port procedures, but also for practical requirements that arise throughout the vessel’s stay. This is part of how BSA supports vessel owners, managers, superintendents, crew, and vendors during shipyard projects in Batam.

Sea Trial, Class Certificate and Timely Departure

MT Alpine Spirit departed Batam on 16 June 2026 after completing her docking repair activities.

Before departure, the vessel underwent sea trial after undocking as part of the requirement for the issuance of class certificates related to her flag change to Marshall Islands.

The owner’s requirement was clear: the vessel was expected to sail immediately after sea trial.

This created a time-sensitive coordination requirement for the appointed agent. Vessel departure from port requires complete documentation, document verification, and the issuance of port clearance by the relevant authority. To support the owner’s sailing schedule, BSA maintained close and intensive coordination with the shipyard, class society, vessel representatives, and the competent authorities responsible for issuing the vessel’s sailing clearance.

Through proper coordination and clear communication between all related parties, the required sailing clearance was issued on time. As a result, MT Alpine Spirit was able to depart Batam without delay, allowing the vessel to continue her charter commitment and proceed with her scheduled bunkering arrangement at Singapore Port.

Reliable Ship Agency Support in Batam

The MT Alpine Spirit project reflects the type of support that vessel owners and managers require during shipyard calls in Batam: reliable agency coordination, proper documentation handling, responsive crew support, vendor and technician attendance arrangement, ship spares logistics, and timely departure assistance.

For PT. Bisa Jasa Segara / Batam Shipping Agency, every port call is handled with the understanding that vessel time matters. A docking project involves many parties, and the role of a local agent is to keep communication clear, requirements organized, and the vessel’s interests properly supported.

Batam Shipping Agency remains committed to providing dependable ship agency services in Batam for vessel owners, ship managers, superintendents, and marine service providers requiring professional local support in Indonesia.

Always On Your Side.