The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Thursday (7 May) said it detained two foreign tugboats in eastern waters of Johor for illegally transporting and storing an undocumented oil cargo, believed to be marine gas oil (MGO). 

Johor MMEA acting director Maritime Captain Kama Azri Kamil said the total value of the seized tugboats and MGO was worth MYR 19.55 million (USD 5 million). 

He said the first tugboat was detained around 10.50 pm at 1.5 nautical miles southeast off Tanjung Bulat before another vessel was detained about 40 minutes later at 3 nautical miles southeast of the same area.

“The investigation found, both tug boats were registered in Tanzania and operated by 10 Indonesians aged between 26 and 54 years,” said Captain Kama Azri. 

“Initial investigation found that the vessels failed to report arrival when entering the country’s waters, in total violation of Article 10 of the Port Rules 1954.”

Captain Kama Azri added that initial investigation found the tugboats had failed to report their arrival to Malaysian authorities when entering the country’s waters. 

In addition, there were suspicious modifications to the vessels’ tanks including the water tank being modified to an oil storage tank.

The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 while all crew members were detained under Section 51(5)(b) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963 to help further investigation.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 8 May, 2026

Panama-flagged oil/chemical tanker UOG Andros, formerly known as UACC Muharraq, was arrested in Singapore waters on Tuesday (28 April).

The vessel was added to the list of vessels under Sheriff’s arrest in Singapore’s court system. 

According to the list, the vessel was arrested at 2.42pm and the arresting solicitor listed was law firm LVM Law Chambers LLC. The ship is currently held at Sudong Special Purpose Anchorage – Grid 4111C. 

No details were provided in the list regarding the reason behind the arrest.

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Nektarios Papadakis
Published: 4 May, 2026

The Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two tankers for allegedly conducting an illegal ship-to-ship transfer of about 700,000 litres of diesel fuel on Saturday (11 April).

Penang MMEA director Suffi Ramli said the operation followed intelligence received at 10.45am on suspicious movements involving the two ships anchored in the Bagan Ajam waters before a patrol boat was sent to the location. 

“An inspection found that both vessels were side by side and suspected to be carrying out ship-to-ship oil transfer activities without permission,” he said. 

He added that further inspection found that the activity involved an estimated 700,000 liters transfer of Euro 5 diesel oil, while the total quantity of diesel on board was estimated to reach 800,000 liters.

According to him, the operation also led to the detention of 22 crew comprising Malaysian, Myanmar, Russian, Filipinos and Indonesian nationals who were on board both vessels.

The overall value of the seizure was estimated to be MYR 2.33 billion (USD 586 million), making this case one of the country’s highest-profile maritime seizures this year. 

The value includes the two tankers that were confiscated, worth MYR 2.32 billion and MYR 2.89 million respectively, and the Euro 5 diesel cargo that was attempted to be smuggled was estimated to be worth MYR 5.43 million.

The case is being investigated under Section 491B (1)(k) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for carrying out ship-to-ship transfers without the permission of the Director-General of the Marine Department of Malaysia. 

The offence carries a fine of up to MYR 200,000 for each vessel. 

In addition, investigations are also carried out under the Customs Act 1967 for failing to produce documents related to oil transfer and cargo declaration.

All the detained crews and vessels were later brought to shore before being handed over to Penang MMEA investigating officers for further action.

Photo credit: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
Published: 13 April, 2026