Eric Watkins
Senior Correspondent
LOS ANGELES, Mar. 28 -- Singapore has taken measures to protect key oil and chemical port facilities from terrorist attack following several recent attacks on tankers in and near the Malacca Straits (OGJ, Mar. 21, 2005, p. 31).
The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore said vessels not having prior approval from the Port Master would be prohibited from entering waters surrounding specific complexes. Vessels must report by VHF radio and request permission to enter Jurong Island petrochemical complex, Pulau Busing and Pulau Bukom, Pulau Sebarok and the Shell single-point mooring buoy, and Sembawang Wharves and approaches.
"All other harbor craft providing services, including the supply of stores' provisions and those connected with the changing of crew, are to seek written approval of the Port Master," MPA said. Agents for harbor craft must apply by fax to MPA's Maritime Security Department at least 2 hr before the vessel departs from the pier. Noncompliance can result in a $3,000 fine.
According to MPA, more than 10,000 oil tankers and 700 chemical tankers call at Singapore each year, with some 1,000 ships in port at any given time.
"With the substantial amount of oil and chemicals being shipped in and out of the island, safeguarding our waters and port terminals against terrorist threats remains a top priority, MPA said.
Joint actions sought
About 80% of oil tankers headed from the Middle East to Japan and China pass through the Malacca Straits (OGJ, June 23, 2003, p. 20). According to the International Maritime Bureau, 37 pirate attacks took place in the straits in 2004.
On Mar. 20, Singapore called for a joint front of all Malacca Strait littoral states to secure the vital waterway.
"Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore as littoral states have a primary role to play, but no single state has the resources to meet the rising challenges of maritime security," the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
