2015 Could Be A Record Year for Southeast Asia Bunker Theft, Says Maritime Security Firm

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday August 13, 2015

According to maritime security company Protection Vessels International (PVI), Southeast Asia could be headed for a record year of oil cargo thefts, Marinelog reports

Although the vast majority of incidents in the region are still small-scale robberies of anchored vessels, PVI said that a rise in the number of hijackings was an "important trend," adding that 13 hijackings in these waters have been reported so far this year.  

In Malaysian and Indonesian waters, hijackings reportedly made up roughly 11 percent of maritime incidents.

The company said it estimates that in that time period, at least 20,270 metric tonnes of fuel worth more than $10 million has been stolen.

Strong demand for illegal crude on the black market has reportedly continued, suggesting that the attacks will continue, PVI said. 

Earlier this week, the MT Joaquim became the latest case of bunker theft when the tanker went missing early over the weekend. 

It was reported that the vessel was found the following day without the 3,500 metric tonnes of marine fuel it had been carrying.