Straits Times 25 Sep 12;
WITH more than 70,000 ships using the straits of Malacca and Singapore each year, safe passage is a key concern and the focus of a new collaboration between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The initiative called Marine Electronic Highway, to be rolled out next year, will relay real-time data - on winds, weather and currents - to ships from maritime information centres in the three countries.
Ships will also be alerted to the locations of protected natural areas and coral reefs.
The project was launched yesterday by Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew, guest of honour at a maritime conference.
A trial had been done between March 28 and May 4 this year to test communication links and realtime display of information.
Mr Lui, speaking at the opening of the forum, said the straits are a crucial link between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. More than 70,000 vessels carrying about one-third of the world's goods use the waterway each year.
In the coming decades, with the rise of Asia in the global economy, the importance of the straits to the international community will grow exponentially, he added.
"It is therefore essential that the straits remain open, safe and secure," said Mr Lui.
The two-day conference, called 5th Co-operation Forum, has drawn 150 delegates from 32 countries. It is hosted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
MARIA ALMENOAR
