JOHOR BAHRU, Dec. 5 -- Malaysia's newly launched Maharani Energy Freeport in Johor is positioning itself as a deep-water alternative to Singapore, targeting the flow of oil tankers that make up about one-fifth of global crude shipments through the Strait of Malacca, according to Channel News Asia (CNA).

Built on three purpose-built reclaimed islands off Muar, the freeport aims to develop into a zero-tax hub for energy trading, storage, ship-to-ship operations and bunkering.

With natural water depths exceeding 24 metres, it is marketed as one of the few regional locations capable of accommodating fully loaded Very Large Crude Oil Carriers (VLCCs) without dredging.

Shipping and logistics experts told CNA that Maharani faces stiff competi...