Malaysia Detains Ship Under New Anchoring Rules Near OPL Singapore
Malaysian authorities detained a ship for about a month after it anchored illegally in a new Marine Sensitive Area near the waters commonly known as “OPL Singapore” (Outside Port Limits). This busy anchorage zone lies in Malaysian waters off the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait, south of Johor, where many ships wait, bunker and carry out ship-to-ship (STS) transfers.
The case was reported in an advisory published on 9 November by the P&I club Skuld, which calls it the first known case under Malaysia’s Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026. The rules took effect on 11 September. Two days later, on 13 September, the unnamed ship anchored inside the area and then carried out an STS transfer without permission.
From the CrewMirror Blog
Under Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone Regulations 2026, anchoring in the area is banned except for search and rescue, damage to the vessel or specific pollution response. STS transfers need prior written approval from the government, and bunkering is banned. A speed limit of 12 knots applies, and cargo ships and tankers longer than 300 metres or wider than 40 metres may not enter.
Skuld warned that these waters “should not automatically be considered” available for anchoring or STS work.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Masters and navigating officers heading for OPL Singapore should confirm the latest Malaysian area limits on updated charts and notices before choosing an anchorage, and should not start any STS or bunkering operation without written approval.
