Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia work together to support safety and marine environment protection
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have concluded a Joint Technical Arrangement (JTA) with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to institutionalise an IMO Trust Fund that supports co-operation among stakeholders towards enhancing safety and marine environment protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
The Fund benefits from an initial contribution of US$1million from Greece and marks yet another major step forward in operationalising UNCLOS provision for international co-operation in the maintenance of straits used for international navigation since the establishment of the historic Co-operative Mechanism in 2007. The JTA was signed by the heads of the maritime administrations of the three littoral States and the Director of Maritime Safety Division of the IMO during the opening of 2nd Co-operative Forum hosted by Singapore.
Singapore’s Transport Minister and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim said, “The Straits remains one of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world.I am heartened by the collective interest and commitment of coastal and user States to work together to ensure that the Straits of Malacca and Singapore remain safe and open to shipping.” Minister noted the good progress made by the Co-operative Mechanism, but highlighted that going forward, the challenge was to sustain interest and keep the momentum going, not only to entrench progress but also to encourage further participation and contributions from existing as well as new stakeholders.
He stressed that this was critical “as a third of the world’s trade and half of its oil passed through the Straits”. Minister Lim added that, “The Co-operative Mechanism is timely to promote and facilitate international cooperation in this important waterway and that the institutionalisation of the IMO Trust Fund is a very welcome development”.
Minister Lim later presented letters of recognition to the heads of delegations of Australia, China, Greece, India, Japan and the United States of America attending the Singapore meeting. These countries were recognised for their active contributions towards implementing the six initial projects under the Co-operative Mechanism, namely (i) Removal of Wrecks in the Straits; (ii) Enhancing Preparedness and Response Capability against Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) incidents; (iii) Demonstration Trial of AIS Class B Transponders; (iv) Wind, Tide and Current Measurement System; (v) Replacement and Maintenance of Navigation Aids; and (vi) Replacement of Navigation Aids damaged by Tsunami off Sumatra.
Of note, the number of countries participating in the projects has grown, with India recently making contributions to two of the projects. Overall, concrete progress has been achieved in the various projects with the completion of the demonstration trial in the AIS Class B project and conduct of training visits under the HNS project, among others.
MPA Chief Executive Mr Lam Yi Young said that “the co-operation between Straits users and the three littoral States since the establishment of the Co-operative Mechanism has been very encouraging. Going forward, we can expect greater collaboration among Straits stakeholders in ensuring safety and the protection of the marine environment in these important straits used for international navigation.”
IMO Director of Maritime Safety Division Mr Koji Sekimizu similarly added that “the fact that the three littoral States have acted in such a timely manner and continue to display a strong determination to move matters forward, thereby building on the momentum established by the IMO-sponsored meetings, to be extremely positive and encouraging.”
The Co-operative Mechanism
Singapore is hosting the 2nd Co-operation Forum from 14 to 15 October 2009. The Co-operation Forum is part of the Co-operative Mechanism which is a key platform for the three littoral States and the international maritime community to collaborate on issues relating to the Straits. The Co-operative Mechanism has been making good progress through its three pillars: the Co-operation Forum; the Straits projects; and the Aids to Navigation Fund.
At the 2nd Co-operation Forum, new mechanisms for collaboration will also be established to broaden the scope of participation. In particular, there will be two new panel discussions on “Safety of Navigation” and “Environment Protection”. Co-chaired by the littoral States and the Roundtable of international shipping associations, the panel discussions will promote the active participation of the Industry and its engagement with the littoral and user States.
Beyond the Co-operation Forum and Straits projects, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and organisations such as the Nippon Foundation, Malacca Strait Council, and the Middle East Navigation Aids Service have made significant contributions to the Aids to Navigation Fund. The IMO Straits of Malacca and Singapore Trust Fund complements the Aids to Navigation Fund.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, grow the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
Topics: environment, Governance, IMO, IMO Trust Fund, Indonesia, International Maritime Organization, Joint Technical Arrangement, JTA, Malaysia, marine environment safety, maritime safety, Singapore, Straights of Malacca, UNCLOS
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
