Two oil tankers, including Russian citizens, were detained off the coast of Malaysia. The detentions were based on suspicion of illegal bunkering, i.e., the transfer of diesel fuel to other vessels without official permission.
Bunkering is a rather dangerous procedure for tankers. Environmentalists highlight the following environmental risks associated with bunkering:
Atmospheric Emissions: This problem is exacerbated by the growth of the global maritime fleet and the consumption of bunker fuel, which often includes inexpensive grades of fuel oil, which are hazardous to humans and the environment.
Fuel Spill: Any error, even the smallest, during the bunkering process can cause a serious fuel spill, posing an environmental threat.
Pollution of Seawater and Bottom Sediments: During normal, accident-free operations, the impact on the marine environment is minimal. However, the operation of ships’ cooling systems can lead to partial plankton mortality.
According to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), information was received in the waters about two suspicious vessels anchored near Bagan Ajam.
A patrol boat arrived at the scene and discovered that the vessels were moored nearby, and that one was apparently clandestinely pumping petroleum products. According to MMEA head Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, the issue involved approximately 700,000 liters of Euro 5 diesel fuel.
In total, approximately 800,000 liters of fuel, valued at approximately $1.37 million, were seized from the offenders.
The Malaysian Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry chose not to disclose details: where the seized vessels originated, their names, their flags, where the diesel fuel was from, and for whom it was intended.
