Polaris-Pireas collision Near Singapore

Malaysia government (Marine Department Malaysia) vessel Polaris and Greece-registered bulk carrier Pireas collided in territorial waters within Singapore port limits off Tuas on Feb 9, 2019.

Pireas was on its way from Singapore to its next port of call at Tanjung Pelepas when the collision took place.

After refuelling at Singapore’s eastern bunkering anchorage south of Bedok, Pireas declared to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) that its next port of call was to be Tanjung Pelepas. At 1355 hrs, Pireas entered Singapore Port Limits off Tuas (“the area”). It then slowed down, changed direction and collided with Polaris.

Upon establishing contact with Pireas, MPA Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) instructed Pireas to stay clear of the area. At this point, Pireas reported that prior to contacting MPA POCC, it had collided with Polaris and there was no damage to its vessel.  

Pireas informed that the collision occurred when it was making a manoeuvre to get out of the area. As the collision incident was not considered a very serious marine casualty incident under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Casualty Investigation Code, the vessel was allowed to proceed with its journey to Tanjung Pelepas.

MPA launched investigations immediately as the incident took place in Singapore Territorial Waters. In addition to sending official notifications to both the Marine Department Malaysia and Greece’s Hellenic Bureau for Marine Casualties Investigation to inform them about the incident, MPA is also gathering and reviewing information such as the vessel records and video footage of the collision and has requested a formal incident report from both vessels. MPA has also contacted Pireas’ agent in Singapore to assist in the investigations.

There are no reported injuries or oil leakage.

"We advise the shipping community to ensure that vessels operating within Singapore Port Limits comply with the applicable regulations, including reporting their movements and to anchor only within designated anchorages," said MPA.