Sarawak A Strategic Player In Green Maritime Fuels
KUCHING: Sarawak holds potential to become a strategic player in the development of the green fuel supply chain for the regional shipping industry, underpinned by the state's strengths in the chemical and fuel industries as well as its standing in regional trade.
Second Secretary (Political-Economic) of the Australian High Commission Lachlan McPhee said Sarawak holds an advantage in contributing to the development of a low-carbon fuel ecosystem required by the maritime industry in the future.
He noted that the strengths of Sarawak's chemical and fuel industries, combined with Malaysia's position as a regional transshipment hub and Australia's expertise in green fuel production and maritime regulation, create substantial room for collaboration.
“We see genuine opportunities for cooperation between Australia, Sarawak, and Malaysia in the green fuel supply chain for shipping,” he said.
He said this during a press conference following a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here on Thursday.
According to McPhee, Australia and Malaysia have spent several years exploring the development of a low-carbon fuel ecosystem to support the maritime industry's growing shift toward cleaner energy sources.
He added that this collaboration is now expanding to consider the role Sarawak can play within the supply chain.
“We have been in discussions with Malaysia and now Sarawak on how to build a low-carbon fuel ecosystem for green shipping, examining what the maritime industry will require moving forward,” he said.
He noted that these efforts gained further momentum following the launch of the Green Bunkering Regulatory Roadmap by Transport Minister Anthony Loke at the recent Malaysia Maritime Week.
He stated that developing this regulatory framework is crucial for creating an ecosystem that supports the adoption and bunkering of green fuels within the maritime sector.
In the meantime, McPhee said Australia also brings expertise in green fuel production, shipping route regulation and operations, alongside various other technical aspects that can be shared with Malaysia and Sarawak.
“With Sarawak’s highly developed chemical and fuel industries, Malaysia’s standing in regional transshipment, and Australia’s expertise in green fuel production, we have a solid foundation to construct this supply chain,” he added. — UKASnews
