Malaysia issues shipping notice on reforms for oil tankers carrying heavy grade fuel oil
- Published
by Admin
The Malaysia Marine Department on Tuesday (30 May) issued a Malaysia Shipping Notice (MSN) on new conditions imposed on oil tankers registered in the country, effective on 1 June 2023.
The department said the notice was issued to inform the shipping community of the restrictions and conditions required for the carriage of heavy grade oils on Malaysian registered oil tankers.
The notice was applicable to all tankers entitled to fly the Malaysian Flag. The following was the restrictions and conditions outlined in the notice:
a) “Heavy Grade Oil (HGO)” in accordance to Regulation 21 of MARPOL Annex I, means any of the following:
- crude oil having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 ;
- oils, other than crude oil, having either a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s; or
- bitumen, tar and their emulsions.
“Oil tanker” within the context of this notice, means a ship, a barge or a licensed boat, constructed or adapted primarily to carrying oil as cargo.
Existing oil tankers delivered before 6 July 1996 registered under Malaysian Flag.
Single Hull-Single Bottom or Single Hull- Double Bottom oil tanker delivered before 6 July 1996 are permitted to carry OTHER THAN HEAVY GRADE OIL as cargo subject to the following conditions:
a) The oil tanker shall not be more than 5,000 tonnes deadweight.
b) The plying limit shall be restricted within Malaysian waters only,
c) Shall be classed with a Recognized Organization approved by the Malaysia Marine Department and provided with the appropriate Class Notations.
Oil tankers delivered on or after 6 July 1996On or after 01 October 2020, Oil Tankers of 600 tonnes deadweight and above delivered on or after 6 July 1996 will not be registered under Malaysia Flag except comply fully with Regulation 19 of MARPOL Annex I.
Oil tankers of less than 600 tonnes deadweight
Oil Tankers of less than 600 tonnes deadweight are permitted to carry other than HEAVY GRADE OIL, and the plying limit shall be restricted within Malaysian waters only.
This notice REVOKES the Malaysia Shipping Notice MSN 16/2020 and MSN 22/2020, with immediate effect.
This notice will come into force on 01st June 2023.
Inquiries concerning the subject of this notice should be directed to:
Director
Maritime Industrial Control Division,
Marine Department of Malaysia,
HQ P.O Box 12, Jalan Limbungan
42007 Port Klang, Malaysia
Manifold Times previously reported Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke stating several discussions and engagement sessions were held between Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, the Marine Department, Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MASA) and the Sabah Sarawak Shipowners Association (SSSA) to discuss reforms to build Malaysia as a bunkering hub.
He outlined the several agreements that were reached to improve the bunkering industry in Malaysia and a shipping notice would be issued following this.
Malaysia Bunkering Association (MBA) also inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MASA that will promote employment of local vessels and provide more opportunities for Malaysian players in bunkering and trade activities
Related: New reforms for Malaysian bunkering industry to come into force on 1 June
Related: MBA and MASA sign MoU to boost bunkering and trade activities in Malaysia
