Bali Strait Currents Reach 4,74 Knot as Gilimanuk Queues Return

Gilimanuk — The marine forecast for Friday, Oct. 2, gives current speeds of 0,71–4,74 knot in the Bali Strait as vehicle queues return on the Ketapang–Gilimanuk crossing, according to reports published Sept. 30.

The change comes as PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), the state ferry operator, reported heavier vehicle movements, particularly logistics trucks, while low tide at Gilimanuk made it harder for some vessels to berth at the LCM landing pier. The forecast for the waters from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 called for cloudy to partly cloudy conditions and waves of 0,1–0,5 meter.

For travelers and foreign residents using the crossing, the report means that delays can arise from both traffic volume and the condition of the berth. The issue affects the sea route between Ketapang in East Java and Gilimanuk in Bali; the reports do not state a closure of the crossing.

Why the Bali Strait forecast matters for crossing users

On Friday, Oct. 2, the forecast also gave winds of 4–6 knot and thick cloud. On Thursday, Oct. 1, currents were forecast at 0,88–4,41 knot, with winds of 4–9 knot. These marine conditions help determine when vessels can dock and when loading and unloading can proceed.

Republika reported that 2.223 logistics trucks crossed from Ketapang to Gilimanuk on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and that 6.082 trucks used the route from Sept. 27 through Sept. 29. NusaBali reported that monitoring at about 05.00 WITA on Sept. 30 found low tide at Gilimanuk, with several vessels experiencing difficulty berthing at the LCM pier.

ASDP said it was optimizing available vessels and piers and adjusting operations to tidal and water conditions. The reports said vessels would be maximized when conditions supported faster movement of vehicles in the port areas and on the route toward Ketapang.

Sources

• NusaBali — regional news organisation
• Republika — national news organisation
• Tribun Bali — regional news organisation
• detik.com