Malaysian vessel Polaris and Greek bulk carrier Pireas collided on Feb 9, 2019, as the Pireas was on its way from Singapore to its next port of call at Tanjung Pelepas in Johor, reports Strait Times.
The MPA’s analysis of the incident provides an insight on how to avoid such accidents.
The Investigation Report
An error in a turning manoeuvre by a Greek-registered bulk carrier caused a collision with a Malaysian government vessel in Singapore waters last month, an investigation has found.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on Thursday (March 28) that it has completed its probe into the Feb 9 incident and has issued a stern warning to the master of the Pireas carrier.
The Polaris had been anchored in a non-designated anchorage within the Singapore Port Limits when it was hit.
No injuries were reported after the collision, which occurred against the backdrop of an ongoing maritime boundary dispute between Singapore and Malaysia.
Concerns
“MPA also reiterates its concern that the presence of unauthorised vessels in Singapore’s port waters can cause confusion for the shipping community and threaten navigational safety in the area,” the authority added.
The Problem Area
Following Kuala Lumpur’s unilateral extension of the Johor Baru Port Limits on Oct 25 last year – encroaching into the Republic’s territorial waters – Malaysian government vessels, including the Polaris, have made repeated intrusions into Singapore’s waters.
Follow Regulations
The MPA reminded the shipping community to “ensure that vessels operating within Singapore Port Limits comply with the applicable regulations”.
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Source: Straitstimes
