Introduction

Located in Central Java, Indonesia, Tanjung Emas Port—commonly referred to as “Semarang Port”—has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. For instance, in 2024, container throughput at its container terminal increased by 15% year-on-year, further solidifying its position as a regional logistics hub.

Semarang Port serves as a major international gateway in Central Java, Indonesia, playing a vital role in both logistics and tourism. In 2024, the volume of containers handled saw significant growth, and infrastructure development is underway to support this expansion.

This article provides an overview of Semarang Port’s latest handling performance and outlines its planned infrastructure expansion projects.

Semarang Port in Figures

Semarang Port Container Throughput Up 15% Year-on-Year

According to PT Pelindo Terminal Petikemas, a subsidiary of the state-owned port operator Pelindo responsible for managing the container terminal, Semarang Port handled 895,904 TEUs in 2024, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This represents a 24.9% increase compared to 2020.

Of this total, export and import containers accounted for 766,914 TEUs, up 13% year-on-year, while containers for domestic trade rose by 24% to 128,990 TEUs. Notably, export and import volumes were nearly balanced, with exports totaling 385,224 TEUs and imports reaching 381,689 TEUs.

This surge in container throughput was driven by rapid growth in exports to key markets such as Taiwan (up 14%), the United States (up 26%), Germany (up 21%), and China (up 15%). The expansion of industrial zones within Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces is also believed to have contributed. Major export items include furniture and footwear.

Infrastructure Expansion Plan for Semarang Port Container Terminal

To accommodate the sharp increase in container throughput, Semarang Port is moving forward with plans to expand its container terminal. On the seaside, the port aims to enhance berthing capacity for vessels, while on the landside, it plans to secure more storage space to alleviate overall congestion.

In 2025, operations will begin on a new 150-meter offshore jetty to support vessel docking at the container terminal. This expansion includes the addition of two mobile harbor cranes and an extension of the container yard.

Further upgrades are scheduled for 2026, including the introduction of new quay cranes for container handling, and renovations of the jetty and stacking yard. Through these revitalization efforts, container throughput at Semarang Port is expected to reach 1.2 million TEUs by 2029.

The Central Java Provincial Government regards these expansion works as part of the broader Semarang Port Revitalization Project and is working in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation and the port operator. These developments are expected to allow larger cargo vessels to call at the port, enabling companies to export products directly from Central Java without relying on ports outside the province, such as Tanjung Perak Port in East Java.

Sources:

Mimber Maritim, “Pelindo Terminal Petikemas Tambah Kapasitas TPK Semarang”
Jatengprov, “Pacu Ekspor, Gubernur Jateng Upayakan Revitalisasi Pelabuhan Tanjung Emas”

Semarang Port in Video

Arrival of a Luxury Cruise Ship

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In addition to its container terminal, Semarang Port also has a passenger terminal. In addition to serving local residents, the port also welcomes international cruise ships, playing a key role as a gateway to tourism in Central Java.

This video shows the arrival of the Bahamas-registered international cruise ship MS Seven Seas Voyager at Semarang Port on April 15, 2025. The vessel carried 625 tourists and 451 crew members. Passengers from cruise ships calling at Semarang Port typically participate in bus tours to various historical and scenic destinations in Central Java, such as Borobudur Temple in the outskirts of Yogyakarta and Gedong Songo Temple in southern Semarang.

High Tide Damage

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On May 23, 2025, the area surrounding Semarang Port suffered flooding due to a high tide. A 20-meter section of the panel block wall, which had been installed as a breakwater, collapsed, resulting in water reaching several tens of centimeters deep at the port’s western area up to the first gate. Although port workers temporarily evacuated the site, cargo loading and unloading operations as well as passenger services reportedly continued as usual.

Semarang Port has long faced criticism for inadequate flood control and drainage infrastructure. As a countermeasure, elevation work on the jetty is scheduled to take place after 2026.

The Promising Future of Semarang Port

Semarang Port has achieved a significant increase in container throughput, driven by the revitalization of trade and the growth of industrial zones in Central Java. In response, expansion and revitalization projects for port facilities are steadily progressing, and the port’s annual handling capacity is expected to reach 1.2 million TEUs by 2029.

Furthermore, its role as a tourism hub is also being enhanced, with international cruise ship visits contributing to regional development.

The future development of Semarang Port will undoubtedly play a critical role in the overall economic growth of Central Java.