Malaysia Detains Tanker, Tugboat for Alleged STS Transfer | Mariner News
Malaysian maritime authorities have detained a tanker and a tugboat following an alleged unauthorized ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of oil off Selangor. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) apprehended the vessels early Thursday morning, about one nautical mile south of Tanjung Rhu, Kuala Langat, on suspicion of illicitly transferring diesel.
Officers boarded the vessels after observing the suspected transfer at approximately 2 AM. Neither the tanker nor the tugboat could produce the necessary authorization documents for the operation. Investigations also revealed RM65,000 in cash aboard the tugboat.
The detention, carried out under Malaysia’s Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, underscores MMEA’s ongoing vigilance against clandestine maritime operations in its waters. Unauthorized STS transfers carry significant operational risks and regulatory penalties, often lacking the necessary safeguards for environmental protection and cargo integrity.
Of particular note, the substantial cash sum found on the tugboat suggests a potential nexus with undeclared or black-market transactions, elevating the incident beyond mere procedural non-compliance to possible illicit commercial dealings. This aspect introduces greater legal and commercial exposure for all involved parties.
The tanker’s captain, the tugboat’s master, and a second engineer have been taken in for questioning. Those found guilty under the ordinance could face penalties including a fine of up to RM100,000 ($24,467), up to two years in prison, or both.
