Sustainable Financing for Controlling Transboundary Pollution by Shipping in the Malacca Straits - Options and Implications

Pollution from shipping is a major issue in the Straits of Malacca (SOM). Unless appropriate measures are taken, pollution may increase as traffic through the SOM grows. This paper examines alternative mechanisms to finance straits-wide, transboundary measures to prevent or control pollution from shipping in the SOM. Cooperative programs and various user charges for cost of services are examined, and issues and options for financing these services presented. The implications of financing alternatives are assessed in general terms using the criteria of economic efficiency, fairness, transaction costs, impact on behaviour, and political feasibility.