Simpur Talang

Belitung maritime history · 1951

Shipping Around Billiton, 1938–1951

After the Second World War, transport on Belitung was difficult. Roads and vehicles were in poor condition and few serviceable vessels remained. H. van Oosten describes how barges, landing craft and coastal vessels helped restore connections between mining districts and ports.

From landing craft to coastal transport

Two former British landing craft were converted for service as Billiton I and Billiton II; the article dates their arrival to August 1947. In 1950 they carried a combined 14,465 tonnes of cargo. The small KPM coaster Paneh (about 173 registered tons) had earlier provided transport after the war.

Lipat Kadjang and Manggar

A new sea entrance at Lipat Kadjang was created in 1938. Ore from Klappa Kampit and Gantoeng could be taken directly to the harbour by company lighters. The article also describes seasonal anchorage conditions at Tandjong-Pandan and a small dock at Lipat Kadjang for vessel maintenance.

Map of Belitung transport routes, Erts p. 150.
Map of Belitung transport routes, Erts p. 150.
Ships and harbour waters, Erts p. 151.
Ships and harbour waters, Erts p. 151.
The vessel Damar at Lipat Kadjang, Erts p. 152.
The vessel Damar at Lipat Kadjang, Erts p. 152.
Traditional sailing craft on the Manggar River, Erts p. 152.
Traditional sailing craft on the Manggar River, Erts p. 152.
Small dock at Lipat Kadjang, Erts p. 152.
Small dock at Lipat Kadjang, Erts p. 152.

Historical source: H. van Oosten, “Scheepvaart om Billiton”, Erts — Maandblad der Billiton Bedrijven, 1951, pp. 150–152. These are period descriptions, not a current scientific inventory. Illustrations reproduced from the supplied historical scans; check rights before public publication.

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