Introduction
Malaysia established a new Marine Sensitive Area (MSA) on 11 September 2026 under Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026[1]. The area covers waters commonly referred to within the industry as the "OPL Singapore". Anchoring and ship-to-ship operations are prohibited within the MSA, subject to limited exceptions specified in the Notice[2].
Marine Sensitive Area established under Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026 in green
First case
Skuld has been made aware of the first case of illegal anchoring under the new regulation. A vessel anchored on 13 September within the MSA and carried out a ship-to-ship operation without the required permission. The vessel was subsequently detained for approximately one month.
Key lessons
- Vessels should not treat waters commonly described as "OPL Singapore" as an area in which anchoring or ship-to-ship operations may be conducted without prior verification of the applicable Malaysian requirements.
- Owners, operators and masters should ensure that voyage planning, anchoring instructions and ship-to-ship arrangements take account of the new MSA boundaries and the prohibitions contained in Marine Sensitive Area Notice 01/2026.
- A breach may expose the vessel to a prolonged detention and a substantial financial demand. Immediate legal, correspondent and Flag State assistance should therefore be obtained if a vessel is approached or detained by the Malaysian authorities. Skuld has gained detailed experience in the first case and can assist as well.
Recommended action
Members are advised to circulate the Notice and the relevant MSA coordinates to masters, chartering teams, operations departments and ship-to-ship service providers.
[1] https://www.mkn.gov.my/web/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/Marine-Sensitive-Area-Notice.pdf
[2] except for search and rescue operations, where anchoring is due to damage to the vessel, or for combating specific pollution incidents.