The Marine Electronic Highway Project in Straits of Malacca and Singapore: Observation on the Present Development

Implementation of the Marine Electronic Highway (MEH) project in Straits of Malacca and Singapore will complement the efforts taken by Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore as littoral states in enhancing safety of navigation and the prevention and control of marine pollution in the Straits. The Project Steering Committee meetings of the MEH indicate that, the progress in the implementation of its activities is in the midst of many challenging conditions. The efforts is a testament that the littoral states are working together to ensure the implementation of this project is running smoothly since the donor agencies, user States and the maritime industry have great expectations on its success. The MEH project consists of four important components such as Hydrographic Survey and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) production, Environment Marine Information Overlays, Baseline Survey and Information Technology Structure. This paper will address the current status of the implementation of the four key components highlighting the development of ENCs as a vital tool to sustain the safety of navigation along the straits. The discussion in this paper is based on some preliminary survey findings and from reports of the Project Steering Committee meetings.