ITS Pushes Maritime Innovation with Russian Vessel Redesign

RRI.CO.ID, Surabaya - The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya is driving Indonesia’s maritime technology independence by redesigning a Russian fast vessel to suit local sea conditions, as part of a transfer of technology partnership between East Java and Saint Petersburg.

“The key point of this cooperation is technological independence. ITS does not want Indonesia to merely be a spectator or just a market for foreign technology," Rector Bambang Pramujati emphasized during the ceremony at Grahadi Building, Surabaya, Friday, June 12, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

ITS experts have been tasked with revising the vessel’s original design to adapt to Indonesia’s wave and sea characteristics, while also involving local industries in production. The aluminum fast vessel will be built in Madura by PT Bintang Timur Samudera, with feasibility studies showing it could travel up to four times faster than conventional fleets.

“We aim to expand the market internationally after successfully meeting national inter-island mobility needs,” Bambang added.

Beyond shipbuilding, the East Java–Saint Petersburg partnership also covers digital ecosystem development, including information technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The initiative, first introduced by ITS faculty member Tri Achmadi is designed to foster long-term collaboration between the two regions.

“Considering East Java’s role as a logistics gateway for Eastern Indonesia, the ship technology transfer initiated by ITS is crucial and must be supported," East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa noted. She affirmed the provincial administration’s commitment to facilitating industry needs for sustainable growth.

From Russia’s side, Chairman of the Saint Petersburg Legislative Assembly, Alexander N. Belsky, assured support. “We are committed to overseeing legal aspects and technical documentation to ensure the technology transfer process runs according to regulations. This cooperation not only opens opportunities in maritime technology transfer but also strengthens diplomatic and economic ties built on transparency,” he concluded.

This collaboration underscores Indonesia’s pursuit of maritime technology independence, the innovative role of ITS in ship design, and the broader scope of Indonesia–Russia technology cooperation. ***