Japanese East Bay of Bengal and para operations

[Staufenberg44]

How can the IJN set up convoys in the East Bay of Bengal, in particular what is needed to access the oil production at Palembang on Sumatra? The minefield hex at 42,35 is cleared of enemy units and the port at Banda Lampung is occupied by the Japanese. Can this minefield not be cleared? Was there really no Sumatran north shore port that could use South China Sea convoys?

And finally the Japanese historically used small scale para units on Sumatra, is the one Japanese para unit(Teishin Shudan Bde) usable with adequate air transport?

[Remington700]

I usually ship the oil through the port at Cape Carot. However you can ship it through the mined Sunda Strait but you do have to control the minefield hex. It does take a couple of turns after securing the pipeline route before the oil starts to flow.

[Staufenberg44]

Yes thanks for that. I did that and it finally kicked in just in time as Japan's oil reserve was zero.

[ncc1701e]

ORIGINAL: Staufenberg44

And finally the Japanese historically used small scale para units on Sumatra, is the one Japanese para unit(Teishin Shudan Bde) usable with adequate air transport?

This is extremely difficult to do before Feb-Mar due to:
1. Need to have the para unit at 100% effectiveness
2. Need to have Borneo
3. Need to have a bomber in range.
4. Need to have good weather

[Staufenberg44]

Thanks. One more hurdle for the Great Japanese Palembang Race to add to the challenge.