Concerns Mount Over Shipping Safety in the Malacca Strait

A collision between two ships off the coast of Singapore has highlighted the growing risks in the crowded Strait of Malacca, where dozens of tankers remain idle due to weak Chinese demand. The incident involved the Ceres I and Hafnia Nile, two older vessels, with minimal environmental damage and no loss of life, but it serves as a warning of potential future tragedies as more uninsured ships navigate the strait.

The area east of Malaysia, a key trade route for oil exports, has become a hotspot for Dark Fleet activity, where older tankers transfer oil secretly and wait in calm waters. The presence of about 30 old tankers in the region, many without listed insurers, indicates a significant increase in congestion and potential safety hazards in the strait. The industry’s largest class of oil tankers, the VLCCs, are among those affected, with a third nearly full and facing oversupply in the cargo market.

Recent incidents involving oil alerts and collisions in Singapore and Malaysia have heightened concerns about the safety of navigation in the region. The presence of a larger group of nearly 50 vessels, some more recent but under unknown insurers, adds to the complexity of the situation. With an increasing number of older tankers and ongoing congestion in the strait, authorities and industry players are facing challenges in ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations.

Source .