Batam – Marine Propulsion International (MPI) has recently achieved a historic milestone by
securing certification from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for their 500 kW electric propulsion motor.
This accomplishment establishes MPI as the first company in the ASEAN region to receive
international certification for marine electric propulsion systems.
This certification comes at an opportune moment, amid escalating global trade tensions that
are creating new opportunities for Indonesia’s maritime industry. Based in Batam, MPI has
demonstrated its capabilities by successfully supplying its products to various countries
including Korea, Russia, Sudan, and the United States.
According to obtained information, MPI’s electric motor will be utilized in a 73-meter Stern
Landing Vessel (SLV) designed by Sea Transport Group. The vessel will be chartered by the
US Marine Corps (USMC) for three years from Sealease, a sister company of Sea Transport
Group based in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
The vessel, currently under construction, will be equipped with four electrically driven screws.
It is scheduled to be delivered to the USMC in this year and will be deployed for amphibious
littoral training in Northern Australia, Indonesia, and the Southwest Pacific region.
Bert De Wijs, the owner of Marine Propulsion International, is the visionary behind this
success. With 50 years of experience as an expert in thruster and electric motor manufacturing
in the maritime industry, De Wijs has successfully guided his Batam-based company to reach
this significant milestone and become a global player in the ship propulsion industry.
“MPI’s success in securing clients from various countries such as Korea, Russia, Sudan, and
the United States demonstrates that Indonesian products can compete effectively in the
international market,” stated an MPI spokesperson. “The certification from Lloyd’s Register
further strengthens our position as a trusted manufacturer of electric propulsion motors.”
MPI’s achievement aligns with the Indonesian government’s efforts to strengthen the maritime
sector as a cornerstone of national economic development. With its strategic location in Batam,
an industrial zone with direct access to international shipping lanes, MPI is exceptionally wellpositioned to continue expanding its market presence to more countries.
Industry analysts predict that with this certification and its established international network,
MPI has tremendous potential to become a leader in the electric ship propulsion industry across
Southeast Asia and potentially on a global scale.
