FASA participated in the 51st ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting, a key regional platform that brings together ASEAN Member States, dialogue partners, international organisations, and industry stakeholders to advance cooperation in maritime transport across Southeast Asia. The MTWG serves as the principal coordinating body under the ASEAN transport framework for maritime transport initiatives and implementation of regional transport strategies.
During its presentation, FASA reaffirmed the importance of maritime transport as the backbone of regional trade and expressed condolences for seafarers who had lost their lives in recent maritime incidents. FASA highlighted priority issues including the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, regional energy security, maritime security, cybersecurity, and the ASEAN Same Risk Area (SRA) initiative for ballast water and biofouling management.
FASA called for predictable and practical decarbonisation measures, stronger regional cooperation to address supply chain and energy security risks, and greater vigilance against emerging threats such as fraudulent vessel registrations and AI-enabled cyber risks. FASA also welcomed the significant decline in piracy and armed robbery incidents in Southeast Asian waters while encouraging continued enforcement efforts.
Member States welcomed FASA’s contributions. Malaysia commended FASA’s role in representing regional shipowners, while Singapore supported continued industry-government collaboration on decarbonisation, maritime security, cybersecurity, and regulatory developments. FASA remains committed to working closely with ASEAN stakeholders to strengthen a safe, resilient, and sustainable maritime sector.