Malaysia detains vessel under new anchoring restrictions

November 10 ------ A vessel was detained for approximately one month after anchoring and conducting an unauthorized ship-to-ship transfer within Malaysia’s newly designated Marine Sensitive Area.

In an advisory published on November 9, Skuld reported the first known case of illegal anchoring under Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026. The vessel was detained for approximately one month after violating Malaysia’s new anchoring and ship-to-ship (STS) transfer restrictions, highlighting the enforcement risks associated with the country’s recently introduced Marine Sensitive Area (MSA).

According to the P&I club, the vessel anchored within the designated area on September 13 and subsequently carried out an STS operation without the required permission from Malaysian authorities. The incident occurred just two days after the new regulations took effect on September 11, and demonstrates the potential consequences for vessels operating in waters commonly referred to as “OPL Singapore” (Outside Port Limits Singapore).

Skuld warns that violations of the restrictions could result in prolonged vessel detention and substantial financial demands.

New restrictions on anchoring and vessel operations

As previously reported, Malaysia introduced Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026 under the Exclusive Economic Zone Regulations 2026 to protect sensitive marine features and prevent pollution. Under the official notice, anchoring is prohibited within the designated area, except during search and rescue operations, when anchoring is necessary because of vessel damage or when responding to specific pollution incidents. Cargo transfer operations, including STS transfers, require prior written government permission, while bunkering operations are prohibited.

Additional restrictions apply to vessel navigation, including a maximum speed of 12 knots and a prohibition on entry for cargo vessels and oil tankers exceeding 300 meters in length and 40 meters in width. Failure to comply with the protective measures constitutes an offense under the Exclusive Economic Zone Regulations 2026.

Following the detention, Skuld emphasizes that waters commonly described as OPL Singapore should not automatically be considered available for anchoring or STS operations without verification of the applicable Malaysian requirements. The P&I club advises owners, operators and masters to ensure that voyage planning, anchoring instructions and STS arrangements reflect the designated MSA boundaries and restrictions.

Source: safety4sea.com