IMSML Web Article 25/2026: MSN 03/2026 - Trial Phase - The Implementation of the Automatic Electronic Ship Reporting System under the Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (STRAITREP) at the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) of the Malaysia Marine Department

Through Malaysian Shipping Notice (MSN) 03/2026, the Malaysian Marine Department (MMD) announced on 26 April 2026 of its implementation of the trial phase for the automatic electronic ship reporting. This system serves as an alternative method to the existing manual Mandatory Ship Reporting System (STRAITREP) in the Straits of Malacca. The main reason for the new system is to reduce ships’ reporting burden.

STRAITREP has been in operation in its manual form since 1 December 1998. It operated using manual communication methods via VHF radio channels 66, 61, 84, 88 and 16. By contrast, the modernised system Malaysia is now putting in place was done pursuant to Resolution MSC.433(98) by IMO.

What are the Features of the New Electronic System?

The new electronic system is targeted at efficiency, safety and surveillance. The two main features of the system are:

[1] Automatic AIS Detection - This automatically identifies vessels entering the reporting point using real-time AIS data;

[2] Digital Submission Channel - enables Vessel operators to/ crews to submit reports through a secure web portal or a standard email template for easier tracking

How Long is the Trial Phase?

It will be for a period of 8 months, staring from 1 May 2026 to 31 December 2026.

Thank you for reading IMSML Web Article 25/2026

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Web Article 26/2026: Carimin Engineering Services Sdn Bhd v Dynamic Navigation Sdn Bhd [2025] MLJU 112 (High Court, KL) per Aran Mustaffa Yusof Ahmad J - Seeking a Fortuna Injunction when there is still an Issue to be Disposed of under an Arbitration Clause

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  23 June 2026

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my