Accra:An expert has suggested that the establishment of a green shipping corridor in Malaysia could significantly expedite the maritime industry's shift towards environmentally friendly operations through enhanced collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Captain Cheah Sin Bi, the non-independent executive director and CEO of Orkim Bhd, emphasized that such a corridor could serve as a foundational step for reducing shipping emissions. It would involve aligning vessel investments, selecting alternative fuels, and developing bunkering infrastructure along key cargo routes.

Captain Cheah explained that transitioning to green shipping presents challenges, such as deciding on the types of ships to construct to meet future regulations and selecting among alternative fuels like methanol, ammonia, electricity, or biofuel. He noted that if ports like Penang Port and Port Dickson were equipped with methanol bunkering facilities, ship operators could invest in dual-fuel methanol vessels.

He expressed these views during a panel discussion titled 'Strengthening Malaysia's Downstream Petroleum Value Chain and Identifying Gaps and Enabling Factors,' organized by Maritime Network Sdn Bhd and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

Captain Cheah also cautioned that a lack of coordination could lead to complications if ports developed bunkering facilities for different fuels after operators had already committed to certain vessel technologies. He stressed the importance of aligning fuel choices and supporting infrastructure from the start.

Associate Professor Dr. Masha Nur Salsabiela Menhat from UMT's Faculty of Maritime Studies added that Malaysia should not only look to attract more bunker suppliers but also strive to build a reputation for delivering reliable, transparent, and high-quality services. She highlighted that the country's competitiveness would be influenced by the overall value and confidence it provides to international shipping operators.

Dr. Masha emphasized the importance of transparency and trust in the bunkering business, noting that ship owners and operators need clear information about fuel specifications, pricing, and delivery arrangements. She pointed out that the quality of bunker fuel is crucial, as non-compliant or contaminated fuel can lead to operational issues for vessels.