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November 2005

WEEK 1: (1 - 5 November 2005)

Asean spills co-operation needed
PHILIPPINE Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Arthur Gosingan has called on members of the Association of South East Asian Nations to co-operate in responding to spills of oil and noxious and hazardous substances. Addressing the opening ceremony of the 3rd Asean OSPAR [Project on Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in the Asean Seas Area] management committee meeting in Manila today, Gosingan stressed the strategic nature of the region's waters, especially for tankers sailing between the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and said co-operation is vital in boosting Asean's ability to respond. He cited a study conducted by the Det Norske Veritas that the Philippines was particularly vulnerable to major oil spills from international tanker traffic. The sea is a key source of food, energy, transport, trade and communications, and Gosingan said the “continual challenge is to ensure that these waters remain a safe, clean and stable source of these needs.” Gosingan thanked Japan, the non-Asean delegate in the two-day meeting, for its support in the project. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Boosting country's defences by Dennis
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia needs to improve its intelligence gathering capabilities and is seeking exhibitors from this category for the forthcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '05). Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said when intelligence was not gathered in real-time, the response would be slow, thus making it difficult to intercept threats. "We want to have both short-range and wide-range monitoring capabilities, which will boost our defence system," he said in an interview today. He said Lima 'O5 organisers were on the lookout for Network-Centric warfare, essential in a modern era where weapons platforms, sensors and command and control centres were connected through high-speed communication networks. He said a total of 381 companies from 17 countries had confirmed participation in the aerospace segment of Lima '05, while 150 exhibitors from 18 countries have signed on for the maritime component. Anwar said the armed forces were keen to enlist exhibitors offering products related to intelligence gathering. "Without good intelligence to prepare ourselves against threats, our defence weapons would be pointless." Network-Centric warfare was used by US special forces in Afghanistan, sending target co-ordinates by e-mail to B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Anwar said Malaysia was looking at the warfare system to defend itself rather than for offensive purposes. "By detecting the threat early, we can relay the information quickly to relevant agencies," he said.© Copyright 2004 The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad.

Indonesian waters still the world's most dangerous
The latest figures on pirate incidents show Indonesian waters are still the most dangerous in the world, accounting for nearly a third of all attacks. The International Maritime Bureau says there were 61 pirate attacks in Indonesian waters during the first nine months of this year, with many of the pirates armed with guns and knives. It says the Tanjung Priok port in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and the Balikpapan port, on the island of Borneo, are particularly prone to attacks. Attacks worldwide dropped 18 per cent to just over 200 during the same period. The Malacca Strait between Indonesia and Malaysia, which is used by about 50,000 ships a year carrying a third of world trade, saw a sharp drop in attacks from 25 to 10. The Bureau says an increase in maritime patrols by Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have been cited as the reason for fewer attacks. The Indonesian figure for attacks is counted separately from those in the Malacca Strait. © ABC 2005.

Intense Competition Ahead For Container Shipping by M.Saraswathi
Kuala Lumpur - Intense competition is in store for the container shipping sector as more vessels are expected to join the trade next year and in 2007, says Barwil Agencies Sdn Bhd's managing director, Winston W.F. Loo. Barwil Malaysia, a joint venture company with Barwil Agencies AS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wilh Wilhelmsen ASA of Norway, is the single largest agency house in Malaysia with 13 offices covering all ports in the country. "The spread between supply and demand is getting narrower because more vessels are coming into service next year. A lot of new buildings are slowly being injected, especially for the second half of next year and 2007," he said in an interview with Bernama. He said the finalisation of the merger between Maersk-Sealand, the world's largest shipping company, and Dutch container heavyweight Royal P&O Nedlloyd would also have some impact on the industry. Maersk-Sealand has more than 300 container vessels and 750,000 containers while Royal P&O has 156 vessels and 428,000 containers. "It is important to know how these assets would be managed and deployed,” said Loo. "The majority are looking at the spread between supply and demand. There is going to be more competition in the container sector and there are high probabilities for the rates being squeezed. It will affect us. But we hope the impact would be minimal," he added. The new vessels that are being built and will come into service from next year onwards are bigger and the industry hardly ever scraps down vessels, he said. Barwil provides services like ship agency operations, liner agency, freight forwarding, air freight, customs brokerage, cargo brokerages, total logistics services and project management. It is also the general agent for Compania Sud Americana De Vapores, and its subsidiary Norasia Container Lines Ltd. It also represents Thoresen & Co. Ltd, Nortrans Shipping Agency, Marfret Compagnie Maritime and Barwil's sister company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines (WWL). As for the break bulk cargo business, Loo said much would depend on China. "If China is to restrict its growth, then I believe the current charter hire rate could be sustained and it would probably not go up, but probably come down slightly and stabilise." As for higher crude oil prices, Loo said it would have a significant impact on the tanker business. "It depends on whether the current conflict in West Asia, especially Iraq, would be settled soon. This is because the tanker business primarily involves the supply and demand of crude oil. If the conflict is solved sooner than later, then the tanker market would sustain steady growth until 2007," he said. As for Barwil Malaysia, he said the potential for growth in Malaysia is tremendous due to the country's position as one of the top 20 trading nation. Within the South East Asian market, Barwil Malaysia's operation is the second largest for its parent company. The WW Group employs more than 13,000 people operating out of 340 offices in over 80 countries. "Seaborne trade is over 90 percent in Malaysia, so there are tremendous opportunities for vessels and shipping companies to grow in tandem," said Loo. Despite being well diversified in the sector, he said 50 percent of the company's core business is on the port and marine side. For the first half of 2005, he said it has been good for Barwil Malaysia as well as the shipping community as a whole. "In the first half, we saw revenue growing by 50 percent compared with the same period of last year. We are quite confident that for the full year the year-on-year revenue will grow by 60 percent," he said. He said port and marine and liner services are expected to register a double digit revenue growth in 2005. © 2005 BERNAMA.

Malaysia developing seamen monitoring system
The Malaysian Marine Department is developing a database aimed at monitoring employment of foreign and local seamen working on Malaysian registered ships, a senior Malaysian official said on Wednesday. The monitoring system will enhance navigational safety in the Malacca Straits, which is among the world's busiest shipping lanes, Deputy Transport Minister Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar said. As a partner in the Marine Electronic Highway Project, which provides real time information and electronic navigation to ships plying the Straits, Malaysia has been making continuous efforts to work out measures to improve the safety of navigation, Azlan said while opening a workshop on global tracking of vessels here. "The provision of marine information infrastructure will offer mariners the most effective option to plan their passage and to ensure the fullest attention towards safety of the ship," he said. Themed "Long Range Identification and Tracking," the four-day seminar is jointly organized by the Marine Department, International Maritime Organization and International Association of Marine Aid to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. © Xinhua.

Marine Department to develop seamen monitoring system
Kuala Lumpur - The Malaysian Marine Department is developing a database aimed at monitoring employment of foreign and local seamen on Malaysian registered ships, Deputy Transport Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar said Wednesday. He said the monitoring system would enhance navigational safety in the Melaka Strait, which is among the world's busiest shipping lane. In addition, Malaysia was a partner in the Marine Electronic Highway Project that provides real time information and electronic navigation to ships plying the Strait, he said. The deputy minister said this when opening a four-day seminar on "Long Range Identification and Tracking" jointly organised by the Marine Department, International Maritime Organisation and International Association of Marine Aid to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities, here. Tengku Azlan noted that Malaysia subscribed to the continuous efforts in developing measures to enhance the safety of navigation. "The provision of marine information infrastructure will offer mariners the most effective option to plan their passage and to ensure the fullest attention towards safety of the ship," he said. He said that the Melaka Strait's position as a strategic international waterway also posed tremendous environmental risks to Malaysian shores. "Half of the world's oil and a quarter of its commerce are being transported through the Strait of Melaka. Therefore, the shores in the peninsula are exposed to the risk of pollution should discharge of oil and hazardous substances from ships occur," he said. He said Malaysia placed high priority to the effective implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and todate 76 port facilities and about 400 Malaysia-registered ships had been audited and certified as ISPS compliant. This measure, Tengku Azlan said, was taken to ensure security to ships using the Strait of Melaka. According to statistics released by an ocean crime watchdog, International Maritime Bureau yesterday, the Strait of Melaka sea lane saw 10 pirate attacks since February this year. Overall the bureau reported that piracy had declined in the first nine months this year, with Indonesia remaining a global black spot and Somali waters re-emerging as an area where shipping is seriously threatened. © 2005 BERNAMA.

Petronas first half profit rises 23% by Yvonne Tan
National oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has recorded a 23% increase in its half-year net profit on high global oil prices and lower production. For the half-year ended Sept 30, the country's most profitable company recorded a net profit of RM20.67bil, compared with a net profit of RM16.87bil the year before. Revenue jumped to RM80.82bil against RM64.5bil in the previous corresponding period. As for production, the company produced a total of 1.449 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the first half ended Sept 30. In the same period last year, it produced a higher total of 1.599 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company’s international production covers countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sudan, Iran, Chad and Pakistan. Its sources of revenue for its half-year ended Sept 30 included major contributor, its oil business that contributed a total of RM32.3bil, followed by its exploration and production business, which contributed as much as RM19.4bil. Other sources of revenue were its gas business contributing as much as RM14.3bil, petrochemicals business with RM6.2bil, logistics and maritime business with RM3.7bil and others at RM4.9bil. For its financial year ended March 31, Petronas recorded a net profit of RM35.56bil – its best-ever annual financial performance. © 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.

Pirates attack cruise ship
THE International Maritime Bureau has stressed the need for international patrolling to curb attacks off the coast of Somalia following armed attacks on three ships over the weekend. All three managed to escape without suffering casualties. The vessels attacked included the cruise ship Seabourn Spirit with more than 300 people on board. Pirates in speedboats fired automatic weapons and hurled hand grenades at the ship on Saturday. The IMB, which was in contact with the vessel's radio officer through its Piracy Reporting Centre in Kuala Lumpur, advised the crew to pick up speed and take evasive action through 'zigzag' manoeuvres, PRC manager Noel Choong told Fairplay. “We have advised ships to stay at least 200 n-miles clear of the Somalia coast as the situation has become very dangerous,” he said. The IMB has recorded 29 attacks off Somalia since March. A bulk carrier and a ro-ro vessel were also targeted. A fresh cause for concern, Choong said, is use of big 'mother ships' by pirates to launch attacks further away from the coast by lowering speed boats once a vessel is sighted. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Piracy situation deteriorating
PIRACY attacks worldwide continue unabated with the situation deteriorating in key hotspots, the ICC International Maritime Bureau has reported. Violent attacks using guns and grenades have resumed off the eastern and north-eastern coast of Somalia where, in the past six months alone, 25 incidents have been reported. In seven of these incidents crew have been held hostage and ransom demands have been made. “[Somalia] waters have become a pirate’s charter,” IMB director Pottengal Mukundan observed. He has urged action against pirates by the international community. The Strait of Malacca, which has been included among areas designated as war risk by London underwriters, witnessed 10 attacks since February. Iraq has also become a new, dangerous area with attacks reported off Basra oil terminal. Another area where attacks have begun to take place is around Bonny River in Nigeria. Overall, however, piracy incidents have dropped to 205 compared to 251 for the corresponding period in 2004, but Indonesian waters remain the most dangerous, with 61 reported incidents. Eleven ships were hijacked and 12 crew members are still missing. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Pirates spark UN action
THE pirate attack on the cruise ship Seabourn Spirit off the Somali coast last weekend appears to have acted as a catalyst for international action in the region. Despite months of quiet diplomatic work aimed at tackling the issue within the auspices of the IMO, the high-profile attack has pushed the issue further up the power chain into the United Nations Security Council. IMO officials revealed yesterday that a draft resolution addressing the issue of piracy attacks off Somalia is being prepared. Although the final details will be agreed by government representatives at IMO Assembly meetings later this month, the resolution is expected to seek assistance from the more powerful UN body which in theory has the authority to approve military intervention. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Pulau Indah to get new marina
Port Klang - A new world-class marina facility will be built in Pulau Indah to promote the growth of marine tourism in Malaysia. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said the new marina is expected to be ready by 2008. "The facilities will help increase the flow of high-end tourist dollars into our economy and encourage marine sports among young Malaysians," he said. His speech was read by Selangor State Executive Councillor for Sports, Education and Human Development Datuk Ahmad Nawawi Mohd Zain. Nawawi today launched the new logo for the 16th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta 2005. The Selangor Government has agreed to sponsor the regatta for the next five years. Also present were the regatta's organising chairman Datuk Richard Curtis and Royal Selangor Yacht Club commodore Abdul Aziz Kadir. Curtis said the regatta would test the yachtsmen's tactical and navigational skills amid the squalls of the Straits of Malacca and its changing weather and tides. The regatta, from Nov 19 to 26, will see the participation of 40 yachts with 400 sailors from around the world. It will set sail from Port Klang with overnight stops in Pangkor and Penang and ends in Langkawi. This year's jury chairman is Bryan Willis who chaired the jury at the last America's Cup and the Athens' Olympic sailing events. Neil Ankcorn sailed his 36-foot yacht "S/Y Mat Salleh" from Sydney to Port Klang over 114 days just to participate in the race. Curtis said Ankcorn's entry will boost competition in the Cruising Class, for which 20 yachts have been confirmed from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Europe. "Having entered the Raja Muda regatta before, I was keen to enter again this year. "The only challenge was to bring my boat back in time, all the way from Australia," said Ankcorn. © 2004 NST Online.

Shippers renew calls to remove Malacca Strait from war-risk list
Singapore - Shippers here have renewed their call for the London-based Lloyd's Joint War Committee (JCW) to remove Malacca Strait from its list of war-risk zones. The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) secretary-general Daniel Tan said that latest trend in the area showed the littoral governments had been effective in dealing with piracy in the area, the Business Times reported. "Therefore the JCW should remove the Malacca Strait from its list of war-risk areas," Tan said in the report. The association made the call following the latest report by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) showing no new pirate attacks during the third quarter of this year in the Malacca Strait and Malaysian waters. There were, however, two attempted attacks. The JCW had come under fire from shippers around Asia as well as from regional governments when it included Malacca Strait in the war-risk category equivalent to that of Somalia and Iraq in June this year. Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia described the categorisation as something that was made without consulting or taking into account the existing efforts of the litoral states to deal with the problems. The war-risk zone listing would result in an increase of transportation costs as shippers would need pay more for insurance cover. The three governments had since launched various initiatives to patrol the busy waterways, with the latest being an air surveillance known as the "eyes in sky" initiative. IMB said the JCW's classification created a positive impact in that it "focuses the minds of the littoral states, like never before, to allocate resources to adequately patrol the Strait, apprehend and prosecute the pirates". The JCW is due to meet by the end of this year to assess its classified area. JCW chairman Rupert Atkin said here in September that the committee needed more information on "some of the current initiatives that are taking place in the region to combat both piracy and the threat of terrorism" before making any decision on the Strait. © 2005 BERNAMA.

WEEK 2: (6 - 12 November 2005)

The low seas: piracy has returned to menace the world’s shipping
The decision by Lloyd’s of London to treat the threat of piracy as a war risk, rather than part of a ship’s hull insurance, underlines the extent and the costs of this ancient scourge, which has returned to the high seas. Piracy, which flourished for centuries along the North African coast and in the Caribbean, is once again taking a heavy toll. Last week a cruise liner, sailing past the Horn of Africa, was attacked by pirates in speedboats armed with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. The crew took evasive action, using an acoustic bang to simulate gunfire. But one of the rockets penetrated the ship and the lives of 300 passengers were put in danger. The attack, far out in international waters, was one of about 25 hijackings and attempted seizures since March by pirates operating from Somalia. Two ships carrying United Nations food aid have been attacked, as well as oil tankers and small cargo vessels. The pirates, formidably armed with rockets and missiles, usually force ships back to the coast, ransom or kill the crew and sell the cargo on the black market. Often allied to Somali warlords and safe from international pursuit, these seaborne terrorists have grown ever bolder. The long Somali coastline is now one of the most dangerous for international shipping. Stamping out piracy is proving almost as difficult nowadays as it was when Blackbeard terrorised the American colonies. In the 18th century, it took the Royal Navy years to hunt him down and break the power of other pirate marauders. Western navies are legally entitled to take action against pirates in international waters.But most attacks now occur off the coasts of countries unwilling or unable to do anything. The Straits of Malacca, through which a third of the world’s shipping passes, have long been the most dangerous spot. But attacks have also been increasing off Nigeria, between Borneo and Malaysia, in the seas around Bangladesh and, ominously, in the Gulf close to Iraq. The total number of attacks fell last year, largely because the Indonesian Navy has, at last, begun to tackle the Malacca pirates and because many tankers are now taking on armed security guards. But in the first nine months of this year about 141 ships were attacked and boarded, 15 were fired on and 11 hijacked. Of the 259 crew members taken hostage, 12 are still missing, according to the International Maritime Bureau. The move by Lloyd’s to recategorise piracy as a war risk is realistic: not only will it deter shipping from taking risks in high piracy zones, but it also underlines the menace of seaborne terrorism. Since 9/11, Western security services — as well as ports such as Singapore — have been deeply worried by the threat of a hijacked tanker being used as a massive floating bomb. Better protection, such as global positioning systems, an electronic “fence” to prevent boarding and high-pressure hoses, are essential. More importantly, the main shipping nations should pool resources to identify and track down pirate gangs. The world’s navies must make the high seas safe again. © 2005 Times Newspapers Ltd.

Somali 'mother ship' directs attacks by pirates by Daniel Howden
An upsurge in attacks on shipping off the Horn of Africa has fuelled belief that pirates may be using a "mother ship" prowling the Indian Ocean as a floating base. The Kenyan Seafarers' Association has appealed for more information on a larger vessel seen three times in Somalia's coastal waters. "We understand this is the vessel launching the speedboats that attack the victims," said Andrew Mwangura, the association's programme co-ordinator. "We are still trying to discover the name of this ship, its owner, its nationality and the identity of the crew." In the past week, at least five vessels have been targeted off the coast of the semi-anarchic Somalia, including a cruise liner attacked last Saturday by speedboat pirates who were armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and machineguns. The Seabourn Spirit, which was carrying 151 Western tourists, scared off the pirates after sustaining an RPG hit and gunfire. Passengers took pictures of the attackers who waved at them between volleys of fire. Most attacks off Somalia failed, but one more vessel has been commandeered, bringing to seven the number held with their crews. Mr Mwangura said the captured ships were registered in Thailand, Taiwan, Malta and Ukraine. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said the situation was out of control and confirmed a mother ship had been involved. It added that after two years of relative calm, 32 pirate attacks had been recorded off Somalia since mid-March, including raids on ships carrying supplies for the UN World Food Programme. Worldwide, in the past year, 259 crew members have been taken hostage, 10 were kidnapped and 12 are missing. Captain Pottengal Muk-undan, director of the IMB, appealed to naval vessels in the region to come to the aid of ships being attacked. "At the very least, they can prevent potential hijackers taking these ships into Somali waters," he said. "After the vessels have entered these waters the chances of law enforcement are negligible." Unless international action is taken against the pirates, Captain Mukundan added, Somalia could become a haven for criminals "who may feel encouraged to extend their activities in the wider region". The country has been ruled by rival warlords since 1991. Many run gangs who smuggle drugs, weapons and people by road, sea and air around the region. In another pirate hotspot, the Strait of Malacca, between Indonesia and Malaysia, ships are on alert, with 10 attacks since February. The IMB reports two other areas of concern: attacks on ships off the Basra oil terminal in the south of Iraq, despite the nearby presence of naval ships, and attacks around Bonny River in Nigeria, west Africa. An upsurge in attacks on shipping off the Horn of Africa has fuelled belief that pirates may be using a "mother ship" prowling the Indian Ocean as a floating base. The Kenyan Seafarers' Association has appealed for more information on a larger vessel seen three times in Somalia's coastal waters. "We understand this is the vessel launching the speedboats that attack the victims," said Andrew Mwangura, the association's programme co-ordinator. "We are still trying to discover the name of this ship, its owner, its nationality and the identity of the crew." In the past week, at least five vessels have been targeted off the coast of the semi-anarchic Somalia, including a cruise liner attacked last Saturday by speedboat pirates who were armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and machineguns. The Seabourn Spirit, which was carrying 151 Western tourists, scared off the pirates after sustaining an RPG hit and gunfire. Passengers took pictures of the attackers who waved at them between volleys of fire. Most attacks off Somalia failed, but one more vessel has been commandeered, bringing to seven the number held with their crews. Mr Mwangura said the captured ships were registered in Thailand, Taiwan, Malta and Ukraine. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said the situation was out of control and confirmed a mother ship had been involved. It added that after two years of relative calm, 32 pirate attacks had been recorded off Somalia since mid-March, including raids on ships carrying supplies for the UN World Food Programme. Worldwide, in the past year, 259 crew members have been taken hostage, 10 were kidnapped and 12 are missing. Captain Pottengal Muk-undan, director of the IMB, appealed to naval vessels in the region to come to the aid of ships being attacked. "At the very least, they can prevent potential hijackers taking these ships into Somali waters," he said. "After the vessels have entered these waters the chances of law enforcement are negligible." Unless international action is taken against the pirates, Captain Mukundan added, Somalia could become a haven for criminals "who may feel encouraged to extend their activities in the wider region". The country has been ruled by rival warlords since 1991. Many run gangs who smuggle drugs, weapons and people by road, sea and air around the region. In another pirate hotspot, the Strait of Malacca, between Indonesia and Malaysia, ships are on alert, with 10 attacks since February. The IMB reports two other areas of concern: attacks on ships off the Basra oil terminal in the south of Iraq, despite the nearby presence of naval ships, and attacks around Bonny River in Nigeria, west Africa. © 2005 Independent News & Media (UK) Ltd.

Tackling a 10 000-ton luxury liner
Pirates armed with rifles and rocket launcher fancied a sizeable bounty. The picture is among the first taken of the boats used by pirates in an attempt to seize a cruise liner off the Somalian coast last weekend. London attorney Norman Fisher (55), who was on board the cruise liner, photographed the pirates as they came alongside the ship. "I looked out of the window and saw a small boat with about five people in it about 20m away," said Fisher. "One of them clearly had a rifle. Later I realised that two of them had rifles and one had some kind of rocket launcher. "They were firing the rifle and then fired the rocket launcher twice. One of the rockets certainly hit the ship - it went through the side of the liner into a passenger's suite." Fisher said the captain, Sven Erik Pedersen, refrained from sounding "the usual alarm" for fear that passengers might run up on deck thinking a fire had broken out - exposing them to the gunfire. "Instead he made an announcement, saying: 'Stay inside, we are under attack.' Then he told us to go to the restaurant in the middle of the ship and wait." Passengers told how they had to throw themselves to the floor to escape bullets. The ship's captain eventually saved the 151 passengers and 161 crew from serious injury when he changed direction and sped away from the attackers. Pirate attacks worldwide in the first nine months of 2005 fell to their lowest levels in six years, but commercial ships must remain cautious in hotspots including Somalia and Indonesia, a maritime watchdog said. Seafarers suffered 205 attacks globally between January and September, an 18% drop from the 251 cases in the same period last year, the British-based International Maritime Bureau said in a report released by its piracy watch centre in Kuala Lumpur. The figure was the lowest for the period since 1999, when 180 attacks occurred worldwide. Locations that reported fewer attacks included Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Venezuela, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal. But the bureau warned of an increased risk of violent hijackings off Somalia's coastline, where 19 attacks occurred between January and September, compared to just one last year. "These waters have become a pirates' charter," the bureau said, stressing that ships should remain at least 240km away from Somalia's eastern coast. Armed pirates in speedboats frequently fire on ships passing near Somalia, seeking to hijack them, the bureau said. Somalia lies along key shipping lanes linking the Mediterranean with the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Indonesia's waters remained the world's most pirate-plagued, with 61 attacks - nearly one-third of the worldwide tally - in the first nine months of this year. That did not include attacks in the Malacca Strait, a busy maritime route that separates Indonesia's Sumatra island and Malaysia. The strait was safer, with 10 attacks this year compared to 25 in the same period in 2004, partly because pirates were deterred by a large naval presence after last December's tsunami. No seafarers were killed by pirates between January and September 2005, compared to 30 at this time last year, the bureau said. Nineteen crew were injured this year, down from 51 in 2004, it said. © 2005 The Independent on Saturday & Independent Online (Pty) Ltd.

Technology updates a centuries-old threat at sea by Carl Mortished
The story is the same — kidnappings, ransoms, looting and cold-blooded murder — only now the technology is different. Today’s pirates operate in the same locations — the Malacca Straits, the Bight of Bonny and the Horn of Africa — but instead of cutlasses, they use M16s and rocket- propelled grenades. Today’s pirate ships are high-powered speedboats and in response the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), which operates a monitoring station in Kuala Lumpur, is calling for a high-tech response. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have started aerial “eye-in-the-sky” patrols of the Malacca Straits, but the IMB reckons that two patrols a week is insufficient and is calling for the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to monitor unauthorised shipping movements. The attack last weekend by pirates off the Somali coast on a cruise ship, the Seabourn Spirit, raised alarm bells about the increasing incidence of attacks by Somali militia. But the biggest danger zone is the coast of Indonesia and the Malacca Straits, according to the IMB, where hijackers and kidnappers regularly attack cargo vessels and oil or chemical tankers. There is no evidence yet of terrorist links to pirates, but shipping organisations fear that a chemical tanker adrift in the narrow waters of the Malacca during an attack could become a floating bomb. © 2005 Times Newspapers Ltd.

WEEK 3: (13 - 19 November 2005)

10,000 jobs on offer at fair by Lydia Gomez
Kuala Lumpur - Secure a job interview, learn to write effective resumes or pick a course to improve your career. This will be available at the Career and Education Fair 2005 to be held on Nov 25-27 at the Putra World Trade Centre. It will feature 75 local and multi-national employers and 15 private and public universities and colleges. After successful stints in Penang and Johor, the KL fair, themed "Exploring New Opportunities", is expected to draw some 25,000 fresh graduates, school leavers and those seeking middle management positions for a change in career. The fair is jointly organised by interactive recruitment network JobsDB.com, conference and exhibition organiser IFFM Sdn Bhd, the Education as well as Human Resources Ministries. JobsDB.com marketing and business development manager Sangeeta Bai said some 10,000 vacancies from clerical to managerial positions would be available. The fair would not only cater to fresh graduates seeking jobs but also for those with two to three years of work experience to enhance their professional development. There will also be training sessions, seminars and talks on the latest developments in various industries. Exhibitor MISC Berhad’s human resource management vice-president Ahmad Hafifi Ibrahim said the maritime industry in Malaysia was growing rapidly. "We provide training at the maritime academy and have 8,000 vacancies for seafarers and 800 vacancies for those working on shore." Also present were IIFM managing director Raja Shahrul Azmi Raja Sahar and its business development manager Hema Kandy, and Nirwana College marketing head R. Logan. Some of the participating colleges are: EC Council, SBS Academy, Cosmopoint, IDP Australia, Erican Language Institute, Informatics, Inspens International College, Kolej Bandar, Nirwana College, Open University, PTPL, TPM Academy, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Penang), Systematics College and KUTPM Centre for Foundation Studies. The job vacancies will be advertised in the New Straits Times classifieds section U Buy, U Sell, and job seekers can attend interviews on the spot at the fair. The fair will be on between 10am and 7pm. Admission is free. © 2004 NST Online.

53 fish bombing cases till Oct
Kota Kinabalu - The Fisheries Department has arrested 285 persons relating to 102 cases of fisheries related offences this year, as of end of October. Fifty-three of these cases, involving 82 offenders, were related to fish bombing and illegal possession of fish. The other offences recorded included fishing without a valid licence, intrusion into restricted fishing areas and smuggling prawns out of Sabah. The department also recorded RM35,900 from sale of fish confiscated for the offences, during the same period. Disclosing this here Wednesday, State Fisheries Director Rayner Stuel Galid said the department also collected RM46,500 in compounds while the courts imposed fines totalling RM935,000 during the period. He described the achievements recorded by the department as a significant contribution to the protection of the marine and fisheries resources in Sabah, with credits accorded to other enforcement agencies, particularly the police, for having made the arrests. Rayner also said that the department had also planned to gear up with the new Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agencies to combat fisheries-related offences. He however pointed out that the menace of fishing using explosives and other illegal and destructive means in Sabah remains a major concern. To curb the menace, the department would continue to monitor the situation at fish landing points and markets, in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, he said. Furthermore, the department would continue to upgrade its capability to enforce the Fisheries Act 1985 to curb illegal fishing and protection of the State's marine resources. Rayner also disclosed that a new major enforcement base had been built in Kuala Penyu, and a RM2 million enforcement base being currently built in Sandakan. Other assets, including additional enforcement personnel and patrol vessels, had also been considered under the 9th Malaysia Plan, he said. On land, the Sabah Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Enactment would be implemented to regulate fresh water fishing as well as aquaculture activities. The department had also begun regulating aquaculture farms through licensing to ensure sustainability, he said. © Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia.

EU warned to avoid conflict on IMO
European ministers yesterday threw their weight behind the proposed creation of a harmonised EU maritime policy but warned that any conflict with the IMO will not be accepted. Addressing a high level conference in Brussels yesterday, transport ministers from the UK, Germany, Greece and Norway each seized the opportunity to warn attending Commission officials against regional regulatory initiatives that would impede international consensus. Although the panel of ministers offered enthusiastic support for the forthcoming Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy, the primacy of IMO conventions was notably stressed by each of them during the ensuing debate. The European Commission’s plans to represent all 25 member states within the IMO also came under a unified attack throughout the conference. Raising the controversial issue first, UK shipping minister Stephen Ladyman stressed that any formal attempt from the Commission to replace member states “would not be desirable”. The latest indication from the Commission, however, seems to suggest that any push towards this goal is currently on hold. European Commissioner Joe Borg, who is currently heading up the maritime policy review, told the 300-strong audience that any reassessment of existing member state competencies would be risky for the Commission under the present political climate. “We would be shooting ourselves in the foot, if not the head,” he said. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

India awaits breaking guidelines
India is keenly awaiting new guidelines for ship recycling currently under discussion at the IMO convention in London. A spokesman for the Indian shipbreakers' association urged that for proper implementation of the regulations by ship owners before scrapping ships, a certificate from reputed classification societies should be made mandatory. "Gas-free for hot work certificate should be obtained at the last port of call, and IMO should insist on a certificate from the port of registry on the basis of the aforesaid certificates," said Pravin Nagarseth, president of association. He said IMO, ILO and Basel Convention were to jointly come out with common mandatory guidelines to be observed for recycling of obsolete ships. Three earlier guidelines framed by international bodies have undisputedly placed the responsibility for any damage, pollution, accidents, etc, on all stakeholders including the shipbuilders, port of registry, ship owners and ship recyclers. "Unfortunately, the developed countries maintain double standards on this issue - one for recycling nations and another for the ship owner and flag state," said Nagarseth. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Navy extending support to 'Look East' policy
Kolkata - In keeping with the Centre's 'Look East' policy, the Navy is working on building relations with its counterparts in South East Asian countries, a senior Naval official said today. "We are the best suited instruments for the 'Look East' policy. A large number of naval ships from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and beyond visit our shores. We are also building up relations with them," Flag Officer-Commanding- Officer-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Suresh Mehta told reporters here. Observing that the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean have become important sea lanes following increase in the movement of oil and cargo, he said Navy has carried out 'institutionalised patrolling' with Thailand and Malaysia to prevent terrorists, pirates and illegal movement of civilians in the straits of Malacca. According to Mehta, there has been a reduction in the movement of contraband from Bangladesh following intensified vigil by the Navy. In reply to a question, he said a 'type training' centre would be set up at Goa in collaboration with Russia to train figther pilots in 'Short Take-off But Arrested Recovery' (STOBAR) skills for 'INS Vikramaditya,' a refitted version of the Russian carrier 'Admiral Goshkov.' He said 'INS Vikramaditya' would be operational in the next two years and would have on board MIG-29K fighter aircraft, whose pilots are being trained in the US and later, in Goa. © Outlook Publishing (India) Private Limited 2005.

Philippines, Indonesia to fight transnational crimes
Manila -The Philippines and Indonesia will formally sign on Friday a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crimes by their police forces, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday. PNP chief director Arturo Lomibao and his Indonesian counterpart Sutanto will sign the accord during the closing ceremony of a two-day multilateral meeting of chiefs of ASEAN police and heads of counter-terrorism operations in Jakarta, said the PNP in a news release. The two countries will seek to expand the forms of cooperation between their police forces through intelligence exchange, undertaking of coordinated police activities, capacity building and establishment of a joint committee against transnational crimes. Lomibao said this is the first time in ASEAN history that member countries are moving forcefully to address the increasing threat of transnational crimes. "We must move forcefully to prevent terrorists from slipping past our common borders to inflict death and destruction on civilians and create political instability and economic uncertainty in the region," he said. During a meeting of defense chiefs of ASEAN countries held in Manila last week, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to carry out joint maritime patrols to fight terrorists and pirates in their sea border areas of Sulu Sea and Celebes (Sulawesi) Sea. © Xinhua News Agency.

Port directive slammed from all sides
The European Commission’s controversial Port Services Directive has once again become the focus of growing opposition in advance of a crucial European parliamentary meeting next week. Addressing a high level conference on the future of EU maritime policy in Brussels yesterday, Germany’s secretary of state for transport Ralf Nagel launched a volley of critical remarks against the proposals in front of several high ranking EU officials. Describing the Directive as ‘unsuitable’ and ‘uncalled for’, he questioned why the Commission considered existing levels of fierce competition in the container handling market a problem. His comments follow only a day after the European Transport Workers’ federation announced that more than 700 dockers are preparing to descend on Brussels next week to demonstrate against the Directive. ETF spokesman Eduardo Chagas told Fairplay that the proposed legislation was “an unnecessary, provocative and unbalanced proposal”. The build up of opposition comes in advance of a European Parliamentry vote scheduled for 22 November where the report from MEP Geroge Jarzembowski looking at the Commission’s proposal is expected to be adopted. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Top Indo-US naval officials hold discussions
New Delhi - Top naval officials of India and the US have discussed ways to enhance inter-operability between the two forces and measures to facilitate speedy communication and exchange of operational information. The two sides also discussed the issue of Common Operation as well as various options to improve the situational awareness in the Indian Ocean with special emphasis on combating terrorism and piracy at sea, a Navy spokesman said here today. This was the ninth meeting of the Executive Steering Group (ESG) held at the Naval Headquarters, which was led by Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral J S Bedi, and US Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Jonathan W Greenert. The ESG is an institutionalised mechanism designed to further service-to-service interaction between the two navies within the ambit of Indo-US defence cooperation. © Outlook Publishing (India) Private Limited 2005.

WEEK 4: (20 - 26 November 2005)

Global Effort Needed To Strengthen Maritime Safety
Kuala Lumpur - Although a lot had been achieved in the global efforts to improve maritime safety, there is more to be done at both the government and industry levels, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said. "It is with this in mind that Malaysia has given and will continue to give its fullest support and commitment to the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) current efforts to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in the straits of Malacca and Singapore," he said, in his speech at the 24th session of the IMO Assembly in London. As one of the three littoral states of the strait, Chan reaffirmed Malaysia's support to initiatives and efforts made by the IMO with regard to the protection of the Strait as one of the shipping lanes of strategic importance and significance. He said Malaysia shared the same concern as the IMO on the many aspects of maritime transport safety, security and environmental protection. "We want to be an active partner in the development of a safe and progressive global maritime regime. We believe that by sitting with the other like-minded members on the IMO Council, we can pursue a mutually beneficial agenda to secure IMO's vision for safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans," he said in his speech which was released to Bernama, here Wednesday evening. The Transport Minister said Malaysia had decided to submit its candidate for election to the IMO Council at this session of the Assembly. "This is the first time Malaysia is offering its candidature to the IMO Council after becoming a member state of the organisation for more than 30 years. "We therefore very much look forward to receiving the support of other member states to enable Malaysia to realise this specific mission of wanting to do more for the international community," Chan added. He also formally placed the country's offer to host the next IMO meeting in Kuala Lumpur to follow up suggestions and recommendations made at the Jakarta Meeting in September this year. © 2005 BERNAMA.

India concerned by PSC detentions
INDIA has again raised concerns over increasing incidents of ship detentions by various Port State Control authorities. Suresh Kumar, ship surveyor and deputy DG Shipping, said that despite warnings by the directorate, two more ships were detained recently – Maratha Messenger by AMSA on 27 October at Gladstone, Australia, and Ratna Shalini in South Korea on the following day. The first vessel was detained because an emergency fire pump wasn't working, and the other because a display unit on an oil content meter wasn't working. Although the master of Ratna Shalini appealed to port state control officers that the ship should not be detained for this deficiency, his appeal was rejected. The owner has lodged a formal appeal with Korean Maritime Administration, and an outcome is still awaited. The shipping directorate has asked all ship owners and officers to take utmost care and be prepared. "This is absolutely essential, as any further detentions in current year would adversely affect Indian ships' status under various MoUs," said Suresh Kumar. During January-August, 11 detentions of Indian ships were reported, as against 14 such detentions during whole of 2004. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

MISC sells stake in Affin Merchant for RM169.96m
MISC Bhd subsidiary MISC Enterprises Holdings Sdn Bhd is selling its 36.84% stake in Affin Merchant Bank Bhd to Affin Holdings Bhd for RM169.96 million cash. MISC said on Nov 24 that the consideration valued Affin Merchant Bank at 1.25 times its audited consolidated net tangible assets as at Dec 31, 2004 of RM369.1 million. © The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd.

MISC to buy 30% of MMA from Petronas
MISC Bhd has agreed to accept an offer by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to sell to MISC the remaining three million shares representing 30% of Malaysian Maritime Academy Sdn Bhd (MMA) for RM3 million. MISC, which already owns 70% of MMA, said on Nov 22 it planned to finance the proposed acquisition through internal funds. The Ministry of Finance holds one preference share in MMA. MMA's main activity is to provide educational programmes and training for seamen and maritime personnel. © The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd.

Quality in merchant shipping also concerns well-trained seamen
London (ANA/L. Tsirigotakis) -- Quality in merchant shipping does not concern only ships and engines, but also well-trained seamen in an upgraded profession and working conditions, Greece's merchant marine minister Manolis Kefaloyannis said Tuesday, addressing the 24th Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which is being held at IMO's London headquarters from November 21 to December 2. Kefaloyannis said that the present Assembly session was taken place at a time when important developments were taking place on a global level and protection of the sea environment was arising as the most fundamental investment by the present generation for future generations. Today, he said, "shipping is a much safer industry than in the past, and its environmental credentials have improved significantly". Kefaloyannis said that IMO and its member countries, in the framework of their authorities and their influence, have an equally important role to play in this respect as well. The international safety standards must in now way create areas of commercial competition among the flags. The disreputable factors involved in shipping must comprehend that the credentials of maritime are not negotiable, but applied in a uniform way on a global basis," he said. The Greek minister, who was one of the keynote speakers at the Assembly session, also stressed the "need for investment in the human potential". "Quality in merchant shipping does not concern only the ships and engines. It also concerns well-trained seamen with an upgraded professional status and working conditions," he explained. "Prospective measures of a regional extent must be avoided at all cost", Kefaloyannis said, stressing that any measures should "reflect the international activity of maritime". IMO is the United Nations agency concerned with maritime safety and security and the prevention of marine pollution from ships. Piraeus-born Efthymios Mitropoulos is currently at the helm of the IMO, after being elected as the organisation's 7th secretary general by IMO's 90th Council meeting in June 2003 and the approval of his appointment by the 23rd regular session of the IMO Assembly on November 2003. He will serve as IMO chief for an initial four-year term which started on January 1, 2004. Urgent priority is being placed by the Assembly on the rising incidents of piracy against merchant ships, ship safety, and protection of the sea environment. Also, the final phase in the development of the new voluntary IMO Member State audit scheme is set to be launched at the present Assembly. The adoption of the Scheme will herald a new era for IMO, in which the Organization will have at its disposal a tool to achieve harmonized, standardizedglobal implementation of IMO standards, which is key to realizing the IMO objectives of safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans. The Scheme will address issues such as a Member State's conformance in enacting appropriate legislation for the IMO instruments to which it is a Party; the administration and enforcement of the applicable laws and regulations of the Member State; the delegation of authority by a Member State in terms of the implementation of convention requirements; and the control and monitoring mechanism of the Member State's survey and certification processes and of its recognized organizations. It will help to identify where capacity-building activities would have the greatest effect and it will also enable appropriate action to be much more precisely focused. Individual Member States which volunteer to be audited will receive valuable feedback and, on a wider scale, generic lessons learnt from audits could be provided to all Member States so that the benefits may be shared. The regulatory process at IMO may also benefit from the results of this learning experience. Alongside the audit scheme framework, the Assembly is expected to adopt a Code for the Implementation of Mandatory IMO Instruments, which will provide the audit standard. © Athens News Agency (ANA).

Singapore stays ahead of rivals
IN the face of growing competition between ports for container cargo, Singapore will continue to upgrade facilities and improve efficiency and cost structure, transport minister, Lim Hwee Hua told Parliament yesterday. “Competition remains keen, with regional neighbours competing hard to increase their share of the container transhipment business,” Lim said, referring to Malaysian ports PTP and Port Klang. The minister pointed out that Singapore’s container volumes are growing faster than at neighbouring Port of Tanjung Pelepas. Volumes at PSA and Jurong terminals are growing by almost by 10% year-on-year. Together PSA and Jurong are expected to surpass Hong Kong this year, which would give the World No. 1 container port status to Singapore. By the end of October Singapore volumes had exceeded 19M TEU against Hong Kong’s 18.6M TEU. Bunker sales were also strong, increasing by 8.8% for the first nine months and are expected to surpass the record 23.5M tonnes sold in 2004. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Southeast Asia urged to cooperate against terrorism
Singapore - Southeast Asian countries must work closely together in the "long and arduous fight against terrorism," a regional conference was told on Tuesday. "The danger is extreme and immediate, and Southeast Asia is a key battleground," Teo Chee Hean, Singapore's Minister for defence, told the special forces counter-terrorism session. "Many of our countries have suffered terrorist attacks, while many others, including Singapore, have uncovered terrorist networks and plots to carry out attacks. Teo predicted the fight will be a long haul, waged by fanatics who have perverted Islam and claim to act in its name. He cited some notable successes, including the Indonesian operation against bomb-maker Azahari Hussin and the arrest by Australian authorities of 17 suspected terrorists. "The security of all our countries is inextricably linked," Teo said. Only by working together "can we be effective in countering terrorism." He mentioned the concrete operational measures which demonstrated the resolve of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to enhance security in the Malacca Straits, one of the world's busiest waterways. The three countries are currently engaged in coordinated sea patrols and joint maritime air patrols of the straits. "Soon we hope to have an Information Sharing Centre established in Singapore to further enhance the security of the vital sea lanes in this area," Teo added. "We will all have to stay very vigilant, and we will need to work together - agencies within a country in a multi-dimensional approach, and countries together in multinational cooperation and collaboration," Teo said. © The Post Publishing Public Co. Ltd.

State Dept. Issues Waiver, Resumes US Military Sales to Indonesia
The recent tsunami also triggered a wave of military contacts and cooperation between the USA and Indonesia, with American naval forces serving as the backbone of on-the-ground relief efforts. Overall relations and public sentiment on both sides improved considerably. Nevertheless, the US House and Senate recently decided to include the Senate's prohibitions on lethal military equipment sales to Indonesia in the 2006 Foreign Operations Act until key conditions regarding accountability, human rights, and civilian control of the military were met. Now, the US State Department has exercised its authority under that law to waive those restrictions "in the interests of US national security." There's a lot going on here. This is the third time this year that the State Department has expanded U.S. military dealings with Indonesia. It allowed the resumption of training and educational exchanges between the U.S. and Indonesian militaries in February 2005, and approved renewed sales of non-lethal military equipment to Indonesia in May 2005. May also saw a meeting between the presidents of Indonesia and the USA, during which they pledged to renew and strengthen their frayed military ties. As noted by the map, the collection of islands that constitutes Indonesia sits astride the Straits of Malacca. They're a major choke-point for global shipping and trade, with a long history of piracy and growing reports of al-Qaeda activity as well. The State Department cited Indonesia's role in securing that key sea lane, as well as rapid progress toward meeting key conditions laid out in 2004. Concern was also expressed that with Indonesia embarking on oil-fuelled defense modernization, the vacuum for military sales to the country could be filled by China and/or Russia. In contrast, human rights groups were far less pleased by the decision, criticizing the USA for throwing away its key leverage point. Indonesia has also been rated as having a substantial corruption problem, one that extends into the defense sector and appears to play a role in some of its procurement mechanisms. The Indonesian charge d'affaires in Washington, Andri Hadi, says Indonesia's top priority now that the latest restrictions have been waived is to buy parts for its F-16 fighter jets, only 4 of which can still fly. © 2005 Watershed Publishing LLC.

Thais battle to contain oil spill
THAI maritime authorities have been struggling to contain an oil spill 3n-miles off Sriracha oil terminal. About 50 tonnes of crude oil flowed from the Japanese-owned VLCC Ryuho Maru during discharge when connecting hoses between the ship and underwater lines leading to tank farms snapped yesterday. According to local newspapers and television, two small oil recovery vessels were battling to lay booms in monsoon winds blowing from the shore. The spill had reached Koh Lan opposite Pattaya Beach this morning. Thailand is known to be poorly equipped for spill emergencies, even though facilities on the Gulf of Thailand regularly handle VLCCs. The Thaksin administration recently cut off funding for oil spill vessels and invested instead in a training ship. Thailand is also not a signatory to Marpol. The 1999-built 281,050-dwt Ryuho Maru is owned by Iino Kaiun and operated by Nippon Global. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

U.S. to allow sale of arms to Indonesia by Peter Gelling
Jakarta in a reversal of a longstanding U.S. policy, the State Department announced that it would lift an arms embargo on Indonesia, a decision that would allow the sale of military weapons and equipment. The policy reflects Washington's desire for closer relations to Indonesia, which the Bush administration believes has made considerable progress against terrorism. But human rights organizations expressed concern that the United States would lose influence over the question of abuses by the military in East Timor, which is now independent of Jakarta. "The administration considers the relationship between the United States and Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy, to be of the utmost importance," the State Department said in a statement Tuesday. "As the world's most populous majority-Muslim nation, Indonesia is a voice of moderation in the Islamic world." Congress has long restricted military aid to Indonesia because of human rights abuses by the military. But it stipulated that these restrictions could be waived by the administration if were found to be necessary for national security reasons. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono lobbied President George W. Bush on a visit to the United States in May for a full resumption of military ties. He did so again last week during a conference of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea. Indonesian antiterror police officers, funded and organized by the State Department, recently tracked down and killed one of Southeast Asia's most active and dangerous militants. Azhari Husin, a Malaysian bomb maker, was involved many terrorist attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people. Although the announcement Tuesday indicated a strengthening of ties, there would be few practical consequences, diplomats and analysts said. "The decision is emblematic of the United States' confidence in President Yudhoyono," said a Western diplomat in Asia on condition of anonymity. But he said, "The Indonesians don't have any money to buy military equipment from the United States." The lifting of restrictions fell short of the full level of military relations the United States has with other countries in the region, including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, but it is a major step forward for Indonesia. It is the third time this year the United States has moved to enhance military ties with Indonesia. The Pentagon first renewed training and educational exchanges with the Indonesian military and then approved sales of nonlethal military equipment. Military relations with Indonesia had been restricted by the Clinton administration in 1991, when Jakarta cracked down on the independence movement in East Timor, formerly an Indonesian province. Sanctions were further tightened in 1999 after the army killed hundreds of civilians in East Timor. Congress passed a law this month extending the restrictions on arms sales, but inserted a clause allowing the State Department to waive those conditions for security reasons. The State Department said: "The administration plans to offer assistance for specific military programs and units that will help modernize the Indonesian military, provide further incentives for reform of the Indonesian military and support U.S. and Indonesian security objectives, including counterterrorism, maritime security and disaster relief." Human rights organizations said they believed the administration's decision undercut any leverage the United States had with Indonesia over the lingering lack of accountability over abuses by the military in East Timor. © 2005 the International Herald Tribune.

WEEK 5: (27 - 30 November 2005)

Malacca Strait now safe
THE Federation of Asean Shipowners’ Associations (FASA) has reiterated its call to the Joint War Committee of London underwriters to remove the Malacca Strait from its war risk listing, which has resulted in a sharp increase in insurance costs. “On a quarter to quarter basis, there was no report of a piracy incident in the Malacca Strait during the third quarter of 2005,” FASA stressed in a statement issued yesterday after its AGM in Singapore. Owners have also recorded appreciation of the 'effective' measures taken by the Strait littoral states to combat piracy, and have urged continuation of various security initiatives to ensure safe navigation through the Malacca Strait. Concern, however, has been expressed over piracy off Somalia and the IMO has been urged to address the problem with 'urgency'. FASA chairman SS Teo, who also heads the Singapore Shipping Association, said prospects for the shipping industry in the medium and long term stay positive, though he cautioned against the possible dampening effect of new tonnage coming on stream, high fuel costs and rising interest rates.© Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Marpol review must be enforceable
LEGISLATORS involved in reviewing Marpol Annex VI “had better come up with legislation that can be enforced and is usable,” said Robin Meech, managing director of Marine and Energy Consulting, at the first Fairplay Awareness Briefing, held on Monday (28 November). He was commenting on the review agreed at July’s MEPC meeting, which is to be completed by 2007. John Østergaard, the IMO’s senior advisor on marine pollution, had earlier admitted that, given the approximately 100 requests for revisions, “there is something wrong with the text”. Østergaard also told his audience of nearly 100 that “the biggest problem now is fuel quality”, a point taken up by delegates concerned about the likely price and availability of low-sulphur fuels in the future. “By 2007,” Meech warned, "freight rates may not cover bunker costs.” A fuller report on the briefing, ‘Clearing the Air over Annex VI’, will be published in next week’s issue of Fairplay magazine. © Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd 2005.

Police assures Straits of Malacca safe
Kuching - The Straits of Malacca, the world's busiest waterway, is safe, said Marine Police Commander SAC I Abdul Rahman Ahmad, Tuesday, Bernama reported. He said that this year, only seven robberies were reported in the Straits of Malacca and six in Sabah Waters. "The cases were caused by economic factors and not by terrorist elements," he told reporters after opening a two-day meeting of marine police chiefs, here. He said most of the robbers came from neighbouring countries and committed the crime out of poverty. The marine police had stepped up security controls in the waterway to stop such incidents, he said. Abdul Rahman also said a new base for the Sarawak marine police was planned for construction under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to enhance their patrol and enforcement capabilities. "The building cost is estimated at RM92 million and the base will be built in Muara Tebas, Kota Samarahan," he said. The state government had agreed to alienate a 21.2-ha land in the area for the purpose, he said. He said a smaller base, costing RM7 million, would also be built on a 1.2-ha site in Miri. "Presently, we have small bases in Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Limbang," he said. © 2005 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

Southeast Asian countries warned to be on guard for maritime terror attacks by S. Ramesh
Singapore - Although the probability of a maritime terrorist attack in Singapore and Southeast Asia is low, countries should still be on their guard, terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna has said. That is because Al Qaeda has been found to be developing its own underground diving expertise, he told a maritime security conference in Singapore. The majority of terrorist attacks have been land-based, says Dr Gunaratna, and maritime attacks are usually an extension of their land operations. Said Dr Gunaratna, of Singapore's Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, "If the governments target the terrorist land infrastructure, then the terrorists cannot conduct terrorist attacks out at sea." But this doesn't mean the terrorists are lying low when it comes to maritime targets and possibilities. They have been developing an underwater demolition capability. Dr Gunaratna said, "We saw a recovery of a diving manual in Kandahar which is, in fact, a plan to set up a diving school and how to run a diving school. Today, we are seeing, in this region, some interest in very basic training in that area and so it is very important to know there is a maritime terrorist threat not only from the surface but also underwater. So governments must prepare for both these eventualities." Maritime security is serious business for Singapore. In fact, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore form a key maritime passageway for ships from all parts of the world. Nearly 60,000 ships pass through these waters each year, making up a third of world trade and half of all oil shipments by sea. So the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) insists it is in the best interest of the international community that the straits be kept open, secure and safe. Tay Lim Heng, chief executive of MPA, "Any disruptive event can significantly upset trade and incur great costs. One of the areas that governments should begin to engage each other is on consequence management, that is how to respond to an attack that disrupts the global supply chain." This is all the more important for Singapore, whose maritime industry is a major contributor to economic growth, employing nearly 90,000 workers. © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd.



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