An error in a turning manoeuvre by a Greek bulker has been blamed for a collision with a Malaysian government vessel off Singapore.
The master of the 77,000-dwt Pireas (built 2006) is said to have received a “stern warning” over the incident, according to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA).
In the early February incident the Pireas was en route from Singapore to Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia when it collided with the Malaysian Marine Department ship Polaris.
No injuries were reported after the collision, which occurred against the backdrop of an ongoing maritime boundary dispute between Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore authorities say the Polaris had been anchored in a non-designated anchorage within the Singapore Port Limits when it was hit.
In a circular to shipping the MPA reminded shipping to “ensure that vessels operating within Singapore Port Limits comply with the applicable regulations”.
“MPA also reiterates its concern that the presence of unauthorised vessels in Singapore’s port waters can cause confusion for the shipping community and threaten navigational safety in the area.”
The Pireas and its crew were latter detained by Malaysian authorities when it arrived in Tanjung Pelepas. The vessel was subsequently released.
