Post by : Shweta
Southeast Asian Nations Strengthen Shipping Cooperation
The three countries made the commitment at the 17th Cooperation Forum on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, held in Singapore. More than 125 countries and organizations participated in the forum, which focuses on navigation safety, maritime cooperation and environmental protection.
Malacca Strait Is a Major Global Trade Route
The Strait of Malacca stretches for about 900 kilometres between Indonesia's Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, with Singapore located at its southern end. Together with the Singapore Strait, it forms an important maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.
More than 100,000 vessels pass through the Malacca and Singapore straits each year, carrying roughly one-quarter of global trade. The waterways also handle a significant share of the world's oil and gas shipments, making their security important for international energy markets.
Hormuz Disruptions Raise Global Concerns
The commitment comes after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz triggered concerns about energy supplies and maritime security. Singapore's Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said recent events in the Middle East demonstrated that secure international sea lanes cannot be taken for granted.
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The Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait are among the world's most important maritime chokepoints. According to the US Energy Information Administration, around 23 million barrels of oil per day passed through the Malacca Strait during the first half of 2025, compared with about 20.9 million barrels per day through Hormuz.
Countries Call for Open and Safe Waterways
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore said cooperation with international partners has helped maintain safety in the straits. Japan has contributed technical expertise, while China, the United States and partners from Europe, Asia and the Middle East have provided funding and other support.
Officials also stressed the importance of international maritime law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which establishes rights related to transit passage. Singapore said safe and open waterways should continue to be protected through international law and cooperation.
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