Coordination with International Partners to Address Regulatory and Enforcement Gaps in Dealing with Illegal Shipping Practices

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Acting Minister for Transport in light of reports that shadow fleet vessels engaging in illegal or deceptive shipping practices for the facilitation of circumventing sanctions often operate just beyond Singapore’s territorial waters, what steps is the Government taking to coordinate with international partners to address regulatory and enforcement gaps arising.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.          Given that these alleged illicit activities take place beyond Singapore’s territorial waters, we need international cooperation to address them.

2.          In the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, our agencies work closely with neighbouring countries to combat illicit maritime activities. For example, we share information and conduct coordinated patrols with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand through the Malacca Straits Patrol. We have cooperation mechanisms with international partners to exchange information, which can aid investigations on breaches of our domestic regulations. Our agencies also work with international partners to conduct regular industry engagements with the business, maritime and financial communities on sanctions imposed by other countries, including associated secondary sanctions risks.

3.          Singapore is one of the Vessel Traffic Service authorities for the Mandatory Ship Reporting System in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. In the areas under our purview, we closely monitor vessel movements and provide information to ensure safety of navigation. Any contraventions of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) conventions and instruments are reported to the vessels’ Flag State for their follow-up actions.

4.          Singapore fully implements United Nations Security Council resolutions and does not condone illegal or deceptive activities by shadow fleet vessels. All vessels that do not comply with our domestic legislation and requirements, as well as the relevant conventions and instruments of the IMO may be denied entry into or detained in Singapore.

5.          This is an important and complex issue that the Singapore Government pays close attention to. We will continue working closely with international partners to address these challenges effectively.