Loke: Transport Ministry to centralise bunkering licences from February 2027

The Transport Ministry in Malaysia will consolidate its power over bunkering licences and related permits, commencing February 1, 2027, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. This centralization aims to streamline the process, grant operators a single point of accountability, and ensure uniform decisions concerning safety, fuel quality, and environmental protection.

Loke emphasizes that the reform addresses a significant challenge in the sector, where various agencies and ministries previously required approval for permits. By consolidating these approvals under the Ministry of Transport, the reform intends to boost the bunkering sector and prepare Malaysia for the transition to cleaner marine fuels.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a competitive bunkering sector capable of meeting modern shipping demands. Additionally, Loke announced the ministry's partnership with Australia to develop a policy and legal framework for green bunkering, focusing on LNG, biofuels, and methanol. This collaboration aligns with the International Maritime Organization's 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy, which targets at least 5% of zero or near-zero emission fuels and technologies in international shipping by 2030, with a goal of 10%. Malaysia aims to be prepared to support these transitions as they progress.