Ship fuel emissions: ‘Do not overlook public health’ – experts
AUTHORITIES have been urged to examine how much ship emissions contribute to air pollution around major ports, particularly during haze episodes originating from Indonesia, said maritime industry expert Datuk Seri Jeyenderan M. Ramasamy.
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, offered 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, providing opportunities for Malaysia to attract more vessels to bunker locally.
However, ships burning heavy fuel oil, including high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), can release air pollutants such as sulphur oxides, particulate matter and other combustion-related pollutants, depending on the fuel used and engine operating conditions.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) introduced a global sulphur limit of 0.50% by mass for fuel used by ships outside designated emission control areas from 1 January 2020.
Ships may use higher-sulphur fuel when operating under applicable rules with an approved exhaust-gas cleaning system, commonly called a scrubber.
The limit for fuel used on board is different from the rules 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 stressed that 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 closely monitor ship emissions during haze episodes, saying 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 as a long-standing member of the International Council of International Maritime Organisation, Malaysia is duty-bound and obligated to ensure maritime operations in its waters are carried out on an eco-friendly manner in full adherence to national laws and international standards.
"By ensuring emissions from shipoing ativities are closely monitored even during the haze, Malaysia can also underscore its commitment to meeting its net-zero target by 2050. Shipping, which facilitates close to 90% of its trade, and the maritime industry in general, can play a leading role in realising this national agenda by operating sustainably", said Nazery.
He also urged stakeholders in the maritime industry to exercise great caution to protect the health and wellbeing of workers while ensuring activities are not too severely disrupted amid the worsening haze.
"Workers involved in outdoor activities such as shipping, port operations at berthing areas and dockyards, shipbuilding or ship repair and offshore operations should ensure their health is not compromised while undertaking their tasks,” he said. – October 21, 2026
