Malaysia to Build Ship-To-Ship Facility in Johor Strait

Malaysia has announced plans to build a ship-to-ship transfer facility near Johor's Port of Tanjung Pelepas.

The 1,200 hectare (3,000 acre) facility, estimated to cost up to $180 million, will be build in the Strait of Johor opposite Singapore's Port of Tuas and is touted as the world's biggest ship-to-ship facility capable of accommodating 30 vessels at a time. The hub will be located over three nautical miles from shore and will use dolphin moorings. 

The development will be undertaken by KA Petra, which will take a 70 percent share in the project, and Hutchison Ports, which will take a 30 percent stake.

Malaysia says it won’t encroach into Singapore waters. The two nations have been embroiled in a maritime border dispute - both have recently extended their port limits. However, both have agreed to suspend their overlapping port claims and enter into talks.