Two New Hydrographic Vessels To Boost Malaysia's Seabed Mapping 

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's acquisition of two Survey Motor Launch (SML) hydrographic vessels worth RM90 million is expected to accelerate the mapping of the 37 per cent of its seabed yet to be adequately surveyed using modern technology.

National Hydrographic Centre (PHN) director-general Rear Admiral Dr Najhan Md Said said most of the remaining areas were in shallow waters less than 50 metres deep, making the new vessels suitable for high-resolution surveys.

“About 62 to 63 per cent of Malaysia’s seabed has been mapped, while the remaining 37 per cent, mainly in shallow waters, requires high-resolution surveys to meet modern standards.

“These SML vessels, each measuring about 30 to 40 metres, are well suited to surveying areas yet to be mapped,” he said when featured on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme on Friday.

The vessels, approved under Budget 2027, are expected to be delivered by the end of 2028.

Najhan said PHN currently relies on a single vessel, KD Perantau, for seabed surveys.

The new vessels, alongside initiatives such as chartering survey ships, would help accelerate mapping efforts.

Accurate bathymetric data, which records water depths and seabed conditions, he noted, was essential for navigation safety and Malaysia’s Blue Economy.

“The information supports port operations, underwater infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines and fibre-optic cables, tourism and island management,” he said.

Najhan also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, handling about 110,000 vessels annually, or roughly one every five minutes.

Unlike the Strait of Hormuz, which is particularly important for energy shipments, the Strait of Malacca carries diverse trade, including container cargo, he said.

He stressed that accurate hydrographic data and cooperation among relevant agencies were crucial to ensuring safe and efficient navigation through the strategic waterway.
-- BERNAMA