New conditions for the carriage of heavy-grade oils as cargo on oil tankers registered in Malaysia came into force

Marine Department Malaysia on 30 May 2023 published a notice on the conditions for the carriage of heavy-grade oils as cargo on oil tankers registered in Malaysia.

This notice became effective on 1 June 2023. It supersedes Malaysia Shipping Notice MSN 16/2020 and MSN 22/2020.

This notice applies to all tankers eligible to fly the Malaysian flag.

Notice under the Merchant Shipping (Amendment and Extension) Act 2007 [A1316], Section 519A is hereby issued to inform the shipping community about the restrictions and conditions for the carriage of heavy-grade oils on Malaysian registered oil tankers as outlined below.

In accordance with Regulation 21 of MARPOL Annex I, "Heavy Grade Oil (HGO)" refers to any of the following:

• a) Crude oil with a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3.
• b) Oils, excluding crude oil, with a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s.
• c) Bitumen, tar, and their emulsions.

The term "oil tanker" in this notice includes ships, barges, or licensed boats primarily designed or adapted for carrying oil as cargo.

Existing oil tankers delivered before July 6, 1996, and registered under the Malaysian flag are subject to this notice.

Single Hull-Single Bottom or Single Hull-Double Bottom oil tankers delivered before July 6, 1996, are allowed to carry cargoes other than heavy-grade oil under the following conditions:

• a) The oil tanker's deadweight should not exceed 5,000 tonnes.
• b) The plying limit is restricted to Malaysian waters only.
• c) The oil tanker must be classed with a Recognized Organization approved by the Malaysia Marine Department and equipped with the appropriate Class Notations.

Oil tankers delivered on or after July 6, 1996:

Effective from October 1, 2020, oil tankers with a deadweight of 600 tonnes and above, delivered on or after July 6, 1996, will not be registered under the Malaysian flag unless they fully comply with Regulation 19 of MARPOL Annex I.

Oil tankers with a deadweight of less than 600 tonnes:

Oil tankers with a deadweight of less than 600 tonnes are permitted to carry cargoes other than heavy-grade oil, with the plying limit restricted to Malaysian waters only.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Conditions for the Carriage of Heavy Grade Oils as Cargo on Oil Tankers Registered in Malaysia