The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 8,000 litres of diesel worth RM16,000 from a fishing boat after foiling an attempt to smuggle the oil cargo illegally in waters off Kuala Perlis on Friday (24 March).
Kuala Perlis MMEA Maritime Zone director Mohd Hashim Mat Zain said the arrest was made based on information from the Kuala Perlis MMEA’s Intelligence Unit for the past few weeks.
Hashim said a MMEA patrol boat spotted the fishing boat passing at 5.23pm, 2.3 nautical miles west of Kuala Perlis.
At the time of inspection, the boat was operated by a skipper and three crew members, two of whom are locals and another two are from Thailand, aged 39 and 46.
“Further inspections on the boat found that the vessel had been modified with an additional oil tank, believed to be done in an attempt to smuggle its content into neighbouring countries,” he said in a statement.
Aside from the diesel, MME also confiscated the boat and engine, bringing the total value of seizure to an estimated RM216,000.
The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for modifying vessel with an additional fuel tank without permission and violating the conditions of the licence, the Supply Control Act 1961 for attempting to smuggle out subsidised diesel and Section 239 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1988 for the use and possession of non-standard communication devices.
Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 28 March, 2023
Advanced analytical services will support support clients in the shipping sector allowing for more accurate and efficient testing of methanol as a marine fuel, Bryan Quek tells bunkering publication Manifold Times.
While slow steaming may help save fuel cost and lowers emissions, it may end up being a costly endeavour for ship owners. Innospec suggests looking at smart slow steaming instead, shares Nicea Ng.
Bunker claim was regarding the supply and delivery of RMG380 to the demise charter of the India-flagged oil tanker on 24 February 2022 at Yosu port, according to court documents obtained by Manifold Times.
Claim was regarding sales of LSFO from Gulf Petrochem to Prime Oil Trading on 24 February 2020 which was due for payment on 23 June 2020 after a 120-day credit period, state court documents.
Remi Eriksen of DNV Group, shared during event, the business case for decarbonization must involve four key factors including alternative bunker fuels once safety guidelines and bunkering infrastructure are established.
Malaysian government will ensure all obligations and conditions under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL are implemented, says Transport Minister.