https://sg.news.yahoo.com/live/sing...move-oil-near-singapore-waters-015211038.html
LiveUpdated 13 mins ago
Updated Fri, 17 April 2026 at 10:30 am SGT
Singapore is taking a firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping routes, with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong saying transit passage is a legal right and warns against deals that could undermine global trade systems. (Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Semafor World Economy)
(Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images)More
Singapore has reaffirmed it will not negotiate for access to the Strait of Hormuz, citing international law principles. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the stance comes amid ongoing disruptions in the region, stressing that transit passage is a legal right under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Authorities added that such rights apply to all international straits and should not be subject to negotiation or payment.
Singapore has also rejected paying tolls for passage, warning this could undermine global maritime norms, even as some countries have reportedly paid for safe transit. Experts said the country depends heavily on open and predictable shipping routes, with its position along major sea lanes reinforcing its interest in maintaining free navigation. They cautioned that allowing conditional passage could disrupt global supply chains and energy flows, as Singapore rolls out a $1 billion support package and introduces energy-saving measures across government agencies.
Iran’s shadow oil trade continues to operate near Singapore despite conflict and sanctions, with covert shipments moving through busy regional waters, according to reports. The activity has drawn global attention to shadow fleets and their impact on energy markets as enforcement efforts struggle to keep pace. Singapore has called for stronger international cooperation to address these vessels, citing regulatory gaps and the need for coordinated cross-border action.
Waters near Singapore remain a key hub due to heavy traffic that enables ship-to-ship transfers, allowing cargo origins to be obscured and tracking to be disrupted. Across the Strait of Hormuz, “dark ships” continue operating despite tensions, often switching off tracking systems or manipulating signals to avoid detection. Independent trackers using satellite data and open-source intelligence say these movements reflect a complex, evolving global network, with enforcement challenged further by weak oversight and sustained demand for Iranian oil.
LiveUpdated 13 mins ago
Singapore refuses to negotiate safe Hormuz passage on principle, DPM Gan says; Dark ships and shadow fleets move oil near Singapore waters: Singapore live news
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Yahoo News SingaporeUpdated Fri, 17 April 2026 at 10:30 am SGT
Singapore is taking a firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping routes, with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong saying transit passage is a legal right and warns against deals that could undermine global trade systems. (Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Semafor World Economy)
(Tasos Katopodis via Getty Images)More
Singapore has reaffirmed it will not negotiate for access to the Strait of Hormuz, citing international law principles. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the stance comes amid ongoing disruptions in the region, stressing that transit passage is a legal right under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Authorities added that such rights apply to all international straits and should not be subject to negotiation or payment.
Singapore has also rejected paying tolls for passage, warning this could undermine global maritime norms, even as some countries have reportedly paid for safe transit. Experts said the country depends heavily on open and predictable shipping routes, with its position along major sea lanes reinforcing its interest in maintaining free navigation. They cautioned that allowing conditional passage could disrupt global supply chains and energy flows, as Singapore rolls out a $1 billion support package and introduces energy-saving measures across government agencies.
Iran’s shadow oil trade continues to operate near Singapore despite conflict and sanctions, with covert shipments moving through busy regional waters, according to reports. The activity has drawn global attention to shadow fleets and their impact on energy markets as enforcement efforts struggle to keep pace. Singapore has called for stronger international cooperation to address these vessels, citing regulatory gaps and the need for coordinated cross-border action.
Waters near Singapore remain a key hub due to heavy traffic that enables ship-to-ship transfers, allowing cargo origins to be obscured and tracking to be disrupted. Across the Strait of Hormuz, “dark ships” continue operating despite tensions, often switching off tracking systems or manipulating signals to avoid detection. Independent trackers using satellite data and open-source intelligence say these movements reflect a complex, evolving global network, with enforcement challenged further by weak oversight and sustained demand for Iranian oil.
