Singapore and Malaysia in Territorial Dispute *Update*

The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) has issued a reminder on behalf of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The reminder highlights three Port Marine Circulars issued by the MPA regarding the Singapore port limits:

1. PMC No 9 of 2018 – New Port Limits – Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port Limits) (Amendment) Notification 2018
2. PMC No 10 of 2018 – Amendment to Reporting Procedures for Vessels Manoeuvring in Port
3. PMC No 11 of 2018 – Prohibited anchoring in Western Singapore Port Limits

The MPA state that since 26 December 2018, stiffer penalties will apply to vessels convicted of anchoring outside the designated anchorages. Vessels may be liable for fines of up to S$20,000 and S$2,000 for every day or part of a day that the offence continues after conviction.

A copy of the reminder can be found here.

19 December 2018

The Singapore MPA held an industry briefing on 18 December 2018 and provided more information regarding their position on the territorial dispute with Malaysia.

The key points from the briefing are as follows:

• The Singapore MPA have issued revised port limits as detailed in their Port Marine circular 9 of 2018 (dated 6 December 2018). This can be read here.

• The extended port area will be part of West Johor Strait sector.  For the safety of navigation, all vessels entering or leaving the West Johor Strait shall report to Jurong Control on VHF Channel 22 or by telephone on 63252493 / 63252494.

• Vessels operating within Singapore’s assigned Port Limits are to comply with applicable port regulations.

• All power driven vessels should be fitted with a working AIS when they are navigating in the West Johor Strait sector which is a port entry requirement.

• Vessels shall not anchor or conduct any STS activities in the area. All vessels are to comply with the port regulations and anchor only at designated anchorages. The Port Master through his authorised officers will instruct the vessel to leave the area and MPA will take action against any person or vessel for failure to comply with the Port Master’s direction.

• Fishing and sea sport activities are not allowed in the area.

• If a vessel is stopped by other foreign government vessels, they should report immediately to the Singapore Police Coast Guard and Port Authority Singapore.

• The newly extended area West of Tuas is not a pilotage district. Current pilotage guidelines apply and the Singapore MPA will inform the industry if and when there are changes.

The Singapore MPA repeated their assertion that the extended Johor port limits are to be disregarded and that access to marine facilities and shipyards on the western side of Tuas View extension has not changed.

12 December 2018

Singapore and Malaysia are involved in an ongoing dispute over Johor Bahru port limits.

The dispute was sparked by Malaysia extending the port limits in October 2018. The Singapore authorities responded to Malaysia’s claim by stating that Singapore’s territorial waters extend westward of Singapore’s current port limits around Tuas.

Local correspondents SPICA advise that there are now no waters that might be considered ‘international’ within the area referred to as Western Approaches Singapore.

The Singapore MPA has also stated that the area indicated by the ‘Western Boarding Ground A’ (PWBGA) is part of their territorial waters.

What impact does this have on shipping?

Vessels should avoid anchoring or bunkering in this area due to the fact that these are now disputed waters. Vessels could face fines from either authority as the area will no longer be considered OPL.

Correspondents SPICA have identified the disputed area on the below:

The Malaysian Port Circular 88/2018 can be read here.

The Singapore MPA Circular can be read here.