Secret refuelling points at Addu Atoll and Nancowry Harbour let a fleet move south through the Indian Ocean, avoid India and major shipping lanes, and reach Singapore by more than one route. From the Nicobar Islands it could use the Malacca Strait or swing around Java through the Dutch East Indies. Fuel positioned along the way turned geography into strategic options while reducing opportunities for observers to report the fleet. The plan used equipment already available and left room for future fast oilers to shuttle between the stockpiles and ships at sea.
Notable Point · 22:49-24:37
Alternative Indian Ocean routes to Singapore
Staged fuel at secluded anchorages let the fleet approach Singapore by the Malacca Strait or around Java while avoiding heavily observed routes.