Experts urge Malaysia to create a green shipping corridor for faster maritime decarbonisation

At a Kuala Lumpur panel on strengthening Malaysia's downstream petroleum value chain, Captain Cheah Sin Bi of Orkim Bhd advocated for a green shipping corridor to streamline the maritime sector's shift to low-carbon operations. He explained that aligning shipbuilding choices with specific alternative fuels—methanol, ammonia, electricity or biofuel—and ensuring compatible bunkering facilities at ports such as Penang Port and Port Dickson would reduce uncertainty for operators.

Cheah cautioned that if ports develop infrastructure for a different fuel after vessels are built, it could create costly mismatches. Associate Professor Masha Nur Salsabiela Menhat emphasized that beyond attracting bunker suppliers, Malaysia needs to be known for reliable, transparent, and high-quality fuel services, as fuel quality directly impacts vessel performance. The discussion was hosted by Maritime Network Sdn Bhd in partnership with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Faculty of Maritime Studies.