Haze or ship fumes? Maritime experts want closer watch on vessel emissions at Malaysian ports

Malaysia's strategic location along the Strait of Malacca, a major shipping lane, presents opportunities for developing its marine fuel supply sector, but environmental concerns must not be disregarded, according to maritime industry expert Datuk Seri Jeyenderan M. Ramasamy. He emphasized the need for proper monitoring of ship emissions and sustainable port development, especially during transboundary haze episodes that affect Malaysia.

Port Klang and Johor ports are strategically positioned to attract more vessels to use local fuel, but ships burning heavy fuel oil, including high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), can release pollutants such as sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set a global sulphur limit of 0.50 per cent by mass for ship fuels outside emission control areas from January 1, 2020, with exceptions for ships operating under certain rules with approved exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Authorities could monitor air quality around major ports, verify compliance with sulphur limits, and examine pollution levels during haze episodes to determine the extent of different pollution sources. Jeyenderan stressed that accurate monitoring data could help policymakers distinguish between pollution from transboundary haze and local sources, such as shipping, while promoting the growth of the maritime industry alongside environmental protection.

Similarly, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu adjunct professor Nazery Khalid urged authorities to closely monitor ship emissions during haze episodes, asserting that Malaysia's goal to become a maritime leader must be achieved without compromising its emissions targets and international climate change commitments.