Hydrographic survey to enhance Straits' safety
Hydrographic survey to enhance Straits' safety
A hydrographic survey of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) was launched today by the three littoral States - Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore - and the Malacca Straits Council of Japan at the Marina South Pier.This initiative was one of the key recommendations that arose from a study conducted by OMC International Pty Ltd - a maritime engineering consultant - commissioned by the littoral States of the SOMS in 2013 on real-time monitoring of under keel clearance[1] in the SOMS. The data from the survey will be used to produce large-scale Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) covering five areas in the Straits critical to navigation. This will complement existing ENCs of the SOMS and will provide the shipping industry and authorities with high resolution bathymetry information relating to the depth of waters. Such information would enable better voyage planning and greater navigational safety while sailing in these areas.
Singapore's Chief Hydrographer and Director (Port Services) of MPA, Dr Parry Oei said, "This survey is an excellent example of cooperation between user and littoral States in ensuring safety of navigation and protection of environment. It is timely as the Straits continue to grow in importance. Results from the survey would help update charts and also allow authorities and users of the Straits to have a better understanding of the seabed topology and its surrounding for safer and more efficient passage planning."
The hydrographic survey was held as part of the 8th Co-operation Forum which was opened on 5 October 2015.
From left to right: Dr Parry Oei, Chief Hydrographer Singapore; Commodore Daryanto, Chief Hydrographer Indonesia; Capt Leonard Siahaan, Head for Operation and Survey Section Sub Directorate of Aids to Navigation, Directorate of Navigation Director General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation Indonesia; Dato' Abdul Hamid Baharin, Director General, Malaysia Marine Department; Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive MPA; Mr Yosuke Wakabayashi, Senior Deputy Director General, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan; and Mr Eiichi Kato, Executive Director Malacca Strait Council, launching the hydrographic survey
Five hydrographic survey areas in Straits of Malacca and Singapore
Multi-beam sonar survey system is used to acquire seabed depth information
Side scan sonar system provides image of seabed over large area. It could also detect debris and obstructions
If debris or obstructions are detected, this Remote Operated Vehicle will be deployed to provide underwater visuals
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[1] Under Keel Clearance is the distance between the deepest point of the vessel's hull and the sea bed.