Nadia Ahmad Samdin on Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Bill

Singapore's waters are among its most intensely used spaces, where shipping, anchorage, aquaculture, conservation and recreation coexist within a limited space, said MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin. She welcomed giving the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore greater powers to deal with sunk, stranded or apparently abandoned vessels and other objects that may pose navigational or environmental hazards. However, removal operations may also cause harm, she said. She asked how MPA will determine actions to be taken, removal deadlines and pursuit of compensation for any environmental damage. Ms Nadia also highlighted the potential risks posed by autonomous vessels and remote pilotage. She asked how often the government undertakes surveys to accurately map Singapore’s seabed; and whether operators have access to these maps and are made responsible for using them and ensuring that sensitive habitats are reflected in route-planning. She spoke in parliament on Tuesday (Nov 3).