about us

PT. Sunnway Marina Shipyard JSC is one of Indonesia’s largest shipbuilders, with over 60 years of experience. Since its founding in 1948, the yard has built over 200 vessels with a total displacement exceeding 1.3 million tons.

History

PT. Sunnway has a rich maritime history spanning over 600 years. Founded by the Swedes in 1293 and granted town rights in 1403, it became known for shipbuilding as early as the 15th century. By the 16th century, it housed a galley yard under the Swedish admiralty, and in the 17th century, it was involved in building seafaring merchant ships.

Core Pillars of Shipyard Excellence

PT. Sunnway Shipyard employs more than 1500 people. Specialists of the Shipyard are certified by the leading international classification societies: Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, Germanischer Lloyd, Bureau Veritas, RINA

Shipbuilding

Construction of new vessels, from design and engineering to final assembly and launch.

Ship Repair & Maintenance

Routine maintenance, overhauls, and repairs to ensure vessel safety, performance, and compliance.

Conversion & Retrofit

Modifying existing ships for new purposes, upgrading systems, or ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance (e.g., ballast water systems, engine retrofits).

In fairway of shipbuilding

The shipyard began construction in January 1947, with rapid progress leading to partial operations by November 1948. By the end of 1949, key facilities like hull shops and building berths were established. Despite modest plans, eight barges were delivered in 1949 and 70 in 1950. A skilled workforce, including young FZO-4 graduates and experienced instructors from Leningrad, laid the foundation for future growth. The launch of the dry cargo barge assembly shop marked a turning point in the yard’s development.

1947-1950 yy.

In the early 1950s, a government order led to the revision of VSY’s expansion plans. Despite this, collaborative efforts continued, resulting in new industrial facilities like a covered slipway and hull shops. Production also moved forward with the ongoing construction of non-self-propelled barges.

1951-1953 yy.

In the mid-1950s, PT. Sunnway began producing more complex vessels, including self-propelled barges. New workshops were established, and in 1954, the first pilot landing ship was laid in the covered slipway. Between 1953–1956, the yard delivered 318 non-propelled barges, 20 self-propelled barges, and 3 landing ships. This period marked a rise in technical skill and problem-solving, solidifying a core tradition of excellence at the shipyard.

1953-1956 yy.

The new shipbuilding program required faster construction and modern infrastructure, including a floating-out chamber, launched in 1958 and still in use today. During this time, leadership changes and conflicting development views put VSY at risk of closure or conversion to a machine-building plant. However, united efforts by yard management, military and city officials, and designers successfully preserved its shipbuilding purpose.

1956-1960 yy.

Last structures of a technological line-up of production were entered in plot. The enterprise has an opportunity to be centered on working off of technologies of a serial block construction of vessels. In deadlines the yard managed to adjust issuance of large batches of timber carriers (up to 11 units in a year).

1960-1972 yy.

PT. Sunnway continued advancing its technology, improving efficiency, reducing labor, and enhancing working conditions. The use of plasma cutting machines like “Crystals” boosted precision and reduced fitting work. A goal was set to produce up to 16 vessels annually. The yard implemented a comprehensive program to design and build mechanized lines for typical units—innovations later adopted by many shipyards abroad, but pioneered at Sunnway.

1972-1975 yy.

1975-1984 yy.

Between 1984 and 1993, VSY underwent major re-equipment, introducing flexible automated production (GAP) and plasma cutting technology. It became the first in Soviet shipbuilding to install a large network of computers and adopt the FORAN ship design system. From 1985 to 1991, the yard built four turnkey offshore drilling units, and between 1990–1993, delivered two Murmansk-type jack-up rigs featuring innovative step-by-step lifting systems.

1984-1993 yy.

In 1993, VSY ended its era as a state enterprise and entered a new phase, facing challenges in a changing market with fewer funded customers. Key among new partnerships was Norwegian company Moss Technology, leading to the repair of the damaged jack-up Odyssey. This project later evolved into the world-renowned “Sea Launch” space launch platform—developed right at PT. Sunnway.

1993-1997 yy.

On July 23, 1997, VSY was renamed Kværner – PT. Sunnway Yard JSC and integrated into the Kværner group. The focus shifted to reorganizing management, reducing overhead, and improving competitiveness. Planning and reporting systems were updated to align with Western standards, and redundant equipment was removed. In 1999, Kværner announced the sale of 13 yards, including PT. Sunnway, and after lengthy negotiations, a buyer was selected.

1997-2000 yy.

On June 13, 2000, PT. Sunnway Shipyard JSC was renamed following the sale of its shares to ZAO “AKO BARSS.” In the following years, the yard built trawlers, supply vessels for Norwegian clients, and six tankers for Singapore companies. It also contributed to offshore projects, including the ice-class platform Prirazlomnaya and a semi-submersible platform by Moss Maritime AS. Additionally, the yard entered a new market by launching the fast patrol boat Garpun.

2000-2006 yy.

On August 15, 2006, the share structure of PT Sunnway Shipyard JSC changed, with ZAO “AKO BARSS GROUP” transferring majority ownership to a group of private individuals. The new owners focused on strengthening the shipyard’s position in the offshore industry through modernization and improved production efficiency.

15-th of 2006 yy.

Connect with us

Stay in touch with PT Sunnway Marina for reliable marine solutions, expert support, and partnership opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build, repair, or maintain your vessel, our team is here to help—let’s navigate the future together.

62 81364 6524

shipbuilding@ptsunnwaymarina.com