As an archipelagic country, Indonesia needs ferry transportation to connect and support the economic activities between areas bounded by the sea. The famous crossing route is the Merak–Bakauheni one, which connects the Java and Sumatra economic corridors. Many ships operate on this route, but limited port facilities significantly affect the efficiencies of the services provided, hence, they have to be moved. Therefore, this research analyzed the suitability of ships to operate on the eastern crossing. The analysis method used the financial aspect (revenue) feasibility, the suitability of the port infrastructure, and the oceanographic conditions. The financial analysis used the ships’ operating cost method to determine the crossing passage rates based on their specifications. It simulated the ships with various load factors to identify potential gains or losses. Furthermore, the infrastructure suitability analysis used the under keel clearance and comparative methods to compare the suitability of the ship dimensions and tonnage with the port infrastructure capacity. The oceanographic analysis used the Weibull method to simulate the redefinition of the distribution of significant wave heights, which was compared with the ratio of the ship dimensions and wave slope to determine its heel angle using the IMO Weather Criterion method (IS Code 2008). The results showed that the relocation of ships from the Merak–Bakauheni route directly to Eastern Indonesia through the existing crossing routes is feasible from the aspect of shipping safety, but it is not feasible financially or in terms of infrastructure. The Benoa–Labuan Bajo route is a potential new route recommendation, with regulatory support for the operation of ships in the form of tariffs and operational costs, and it permits the use of subsidized fuel. On the other hand, ship owners must consider modifying the ramp door to suit the port wharf structure.

The motorboat on Lake Towuti is the main transportation for the people in the village of Tokalimbo, Bantilang, Lengkobale, and Loeha to Timampu Harbour as the center of destination main. The purpose of this study is to analyze the fulfillment of safety equipment and to find out the user community's perception of the current safety condition and what is expected. Based on the Importance Performance Analysis, it was found that four out of ten indicators are in Quadrant IV, which means that these aspects/attributes are very needed to get attention to improve its performance, namely the existence of a life jacket, firefighters, life rafts, and information on the whereabouts of equipment facilities safety. Of the four indicators, the existence of a life jacket is essential and mandatory for every sailor to wear a life jacket to minimize the risk of death from sinking. It is necessary to build awareness of the importance of using life jackets for crew and ship passengers and strict supervision from port authorities.

Transportation is the main component that ensures the optimal distribution of goods in the maritime logistics system of small Islands. Therefore, this research developed a Floating Logistics Supporting Facility (FLSF) to overcome the logistics problems on small Islands by implementing sustainable operational systems. The research samples used were Nias, Kisar, and Sangihe Islands in Indonesia, with dimension, propulsion, operation, and mooring utilized as the four primary considerations. An FLSF was applied as a floating terminal capable of accommodating loading and unloading operations, ship mooring, cargo storage, stacking, and dooring services. The result showed that an FLSF can be applied to logistics activities while considering the safety aspects and related regulations. Based on the results, the FLSF can improve the quality of sustainable logistics operations and increase economic growth in remote islands.