Strait of Malacca

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The Strait of Malacca is a narrow, 890 km (550 mi) stretch of water between the Malay Peninsula (Peninsular Malaysia) and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is named after the Malacca Sultanate that ruled over the area during the 15th century. The strait serves as the main shipping channel between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.

Geography

The Strait of Malacca is bounded by the Andaman Sea to the northwest and the South China Sea to the southeast. The strait is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of about 200 meters (660 feet). The narrowest point of the strait is the Phillips Channel in the Singapore Strait, which is only 2.8 km (1.7 mi) wide.

Economic Importance

The Strait of Malacca is one of the busiest maritime routes in the world, with over 94,000 vessels passing through it annually. It is a critical chokepoint for global trade, particularly for the transport of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Approximately one-quarter of the world's traded goods, including oil from the Middle East, pass through the strait.

History

The strait has been a significant maritime route since ancient times, facilitating trade between the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and East Asia. The region around the strait has seen the rise and fall of several powerful empires, including the Srivijaya Empire, the Majapahit Empire, and the Malacca Sultanate. European colonial powers, such as the Portuguese Empire, the Dutch East India Company, and the British Empire, also sought control over the strait due to its strategic importance.

Piracy

Piracy has been a persistent issue in the Strait of Malacca for centuries. Modern piracy in the strait has seen a decline due to increased naval patrols and international cooperation among the littoral states—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Environmental Concerns

The heavy maritime traffic in the Strait of Malacca poses significant environmental risks, including oil spills, ship collisions, and damage to marine ecosystems. Efforts are being made to mitigate these risks through stricter regulations and improved maritime safety measures.

Related Pages

• Malay Peninsula
• Sumatra
• Indian Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Malacca Sultanate
• Singapore Strait
• Andaman Sea
• South China Sea
• Srivijaya Empire
• Majapahit Empire
• Portuguese Empire
• Dutch East India Company
• British Empire