“Japan is turning to five lesser-used straits in Southeast Asia as insurance against the next maritime shock, with plans to create detailed nautical charts for ships to navigate through these waters and bring vital goods to its economy.”
“The project is designed to give commercial shipping more confidence in alternative passages – with the latest data on depths, hazards and navigational aids – if ships need to avoid the heavily used route through the Strait of Malacca after they sail beyond the Strait of Hormuz.”
“Since the initial US attacks on Iran in March, Japan has moved quickly to seek alternative energy sources, and new supply chains linking to the US, Latin America, Central Asia and Africa have been established.”
“According to the foreign ministry in Tokyo, the maritime charts will aim to safeguard maritime transport routes that support the Japanese economy. Tokyo will finance 2 billion yen (US$12.3 million) for the project through its official development help scheme for Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor.”
“The five sectors that Japan intends to map are the Maluku Passage and Ombai Strait in eastern Indonesia, the Sunda Strait in western Indonesia and the Surigao Strait and Balabac Strait in the Philippines.”
“If the project is successful, ships can avoid the South China Sea and pass between the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines before turning north for Japan. The work will include detailed hydrographic surveys, seabed exploration and installation of navigational aids.”