Haze: Experts urge authorities to assess ship emissions around major ports
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities should examine the contribution of ship emissions to air pollution around major ports, particularly during haze episodes originating from Indonesia, maritime industry expert Datuk Seri Jeyenderan M. Ramasamy said.
Jeyenderan, the chief executive officer of Maritime Network Sdn Bhd, said Malaysia’s strategic location along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, presented significant opportunities to develop its marine fuel supply sector, but environmental considerations should not be overlooked.
“As more vessels pass through our waters, we should ensure that ship emissions are properly monitored and that our ports develop sustainably.
“The environmental impact of shipping activity deserves closer attention, particularly when transboundary haze affects Malaysia,” he said.
He said Port Klang and ports in Johor were strategically positioned along international shipping routes, offering Malaysia opportunities to attract more vessels to refuel locally.
However, ships burning heavy fuel oil, including high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), can release air pollutants such as sulphur oxides and particulate matter, depending on the fuel used and engine operating conditions.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced a global sulphur limit of 0.50% by mass for fuel used by ships outside designated emission control areas from Jan 1, 2020.
Ships may use higher-sulphur fuel under applicable regulations if they have an approved exhaust-gas cleaning system, commonly known as a scrubber. The rules governing sulphur content in fuel used on board ships are distinct from those governing HSFO carried as cargo.
Jeyenderan said the relevant authorities could consider monitoring air quality around major ports, checking compliance with marine fuel sulphur limits and studying pollution levels during haze episodes to better understand the contribution of different sources.
He said reliable monitoring data would help policymakers distinguish between pollution originating from transboundary haze and emissions from local sources, including shipping, while supporting efforts to balance maritime industry growth with environmental protection.
Echoing the call, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu adjunct professor Nazery Khalid urged the authorities to monitor ship emissions closely during haze episodes.
He said Malaysia’s efforts to attract more vessels and expand seaborne trade should not come at the expense of meeting its emissions targets and fulfilling its international commitments to combat climate change.
“As a responsible maritime nation and a long-standing member of the International Maritime Organization, Malaysia is duty-bound to ensure that maritime operations in its waters are conducted in an environmentally friendly manner and in full compliance with national laws and international standards,” he said.
Nazery said closer monitoring of emissions from shipping activities, including during haze episodes, would also demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to achieving its net-zero target by 2050.
“Shipping facilitates close to 90% of Malaysia’s trade, and the maritime industry in general can play a leading role in realising this national agenda by operating sustainably,” he said.
He also urged maritime industry stakeholders to take precautions to protect workers’ health and well-being while ensuring that operations were not unduly disrupted by worsening haze conditions.
“Workers involved in outdoor activities, such as shipping, port operations at berthing areas and dockyards, shipbuilding, ship repair and offshore operations, should ensure their health is not compromised while undertaking their tasks,” he said.