Malaysia: MMEA detains oil tankers for illegal STS crude oil transfer in Melaka

The Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Wednesday (27 March) said it detained two ships that were conducting an illegal ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of crude oil on 26 March in waters off Kuala Linggi, Melaka.

Melaka and Negri Sembilan MMEA director Capt (M) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said a patrol vessel found the ships about three nautical miles south of Tanjung Dahlan. 

“Investigations found the tanker was transferring an oil cargo, suspected to be crude oil, to another tanker without having any documents of authorisation to carry out the operation,” said Capt Mohd Khairi.

The first tanker, registered in Panama, was operated by 26 crew including a captain including 16 Chinese nationals, four Sri Lankans and six Myanmar nationals.

While the second tanker, registered in Palau, was operated by 22 crews including the captain, 19 Russians, and three more from Georgia, Latvia and Indonesia.

The tankers were detained for investigations under Section 49 1B(1)(k) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for conducting a STS oil transfer illegally and Section 49 1B (1)(l) for anchoring without permission. 

If found guilty, the offenders can face a fine up to MYR 100,000 or up to two years’ jail or both. 

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 28 March 2024