Maritime company seeks clarity on K8 Atlanta crude cargo handling

Maritime Network Sdn Bhd is requesting written clarification from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) following a recent meeting with the Ministry of Finance. The discussion, which took place on September 25, centered around the handling of Atlanta crude cargo discharged at Tanjung Langsat under a K8 declaration. At the meeting, chaired by MOF Tax Division Under-Secretary Datuk John Patrick Antonysamy and attended by JKDM officials, the chair stated that there was no duty implication on the cargo as presented.

However, he also raised a separate inquiry regarding how the cargo, previously imported under K8, was eventually transferred to another entity. Maritime Network claims that both these matters must be documented and explained in writing before the company can finalize its compliance file. Their managing director, Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan, emphasized that a verbal conclusion from the Ministry does not resolve the issue for the shipping agent.

The company seeks detailed information on the provisions, exemptions, and factual assumptions supporting the conclusion that no duty is payable. Additionally, Jeyenderan stressed the need for a written response that outlines the supporting documents related to the cargo transfer, the final declaration that closed the movement, and the rationale behind any compounded fees.

The meeting primarily focused on the cargo of the MT Invictus, which amounted to approximately 42,051 tonnes. However, Maritime Network has also raised separate questions concerning a different Atlanta crude cargo carried by the MT Marlin Santorini, with a combined declared value exceeding RM220 million. During the meeting, the K8 document was interpreted differently by the parties present, leading to confusion over whether the outward record still classified the cargo as Atlanta crude, even after blending into very low sulphur fuel oil.

The customs department has been asked to provide a comprehensive written response using full certified declarations, warehouse records, and final movement documents. Maritime Network is not accusing JKDM of any wrongdoing but is seeking a detailed explanation of the applicable legal instruments, any approvals, exemptions, and the supporting records.

The company is also requesting a separate review of a compound imposed on manifest documentation, requesting clarification on the specific alleged omission, the reason for assigning responsibility to Maritime, and the review route available. The Ministry of Finance's verbal conclusion on duty did not nullify the compound imposed.

In a written response to a previous query on September 17, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) stated that questions concerning activities at a Public Licensed Warehouse and applicable duties should be directed to JKDM. Maritime Network is now seeking a coordinated written response from both MOF and Customs, outlining the relevant legal instruments, approvals or exemptions, and the records supporting their conclusions.

The company reiterates that this request is not to accuse anyone of guilt but to establish the governing rules and the transaction trail. As of the writing of this report on September 29, 2026, Maritime Network has not received a formal written determination addressing all the issues discussed during the September 25 meeting.