New Landmark in Brunei's Maritime Industry
Brunei has started the construction of its first industrial ship at Anson — an 80-person crew transfer ship — in collaboration with Fast Offshore Services. This is the official start of operations at the integrated yard at Muara Brunei Port (PMB), designed as an international-standard center for shipbuilding and maintenance. This project is not just symbolic: it opens up opportunities for the development of local skills, adoption of high technology, and direct transfer of marine engineering knowledge.More Than Just a Ship
The construction of this ship marks Brunei's transition from a consumer to a producer in the maritime sector. The facility at Anson is equipped with high-power welding workshops, heavy-load handling systems, and digital control rooms for real-time monitoring of the construction process. This capability allows Brunei to not only meet domestic needs in supporting offshore oil and gas operations but also compete in the regional market for specialized vessels such as support vessels, crew boats, and platform supply vessels.Real Opportunities for Bruneian Citizens
This project is expected to create more than 120 direct jobs during the construction phase, including marine engineers, welders, crane operators, and marine safety officers — most of whom will be filled by Bruneian citizens through training programs jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Energy. In addition, indirect opportunities are also emerging in the component supply, marine logistics, and local ship insurance sectors.Sustainable Economic Impact
The economic value of this project goes beyond the sale of ships. It stimulates growth in the local auxiliary industries, reduces reliance on imported shipbuilding services, and opens up space for the export of technical marine services. Revenue from long-term construction and maintenance contracts is expected to contribute to non-oil and gas income — one of the main objectives of Brunei Vision 2035.Next Steps at Anson
The next phase includes the construction of two more crew transfer ships within 18 months, followed by the development of sea trial facilities and an international-standard marine training center at the same site. PMB management stated that Anson will begin receiving orders from outside the region by the end of 2025, after the completion of international classification society certification.A Meaningful Beginning
The shipbuilding at Anson is not just a technical achievement — it is proof of Brunei's commitment to an economy based on skills, technology, and added value. With consistent policy support and focused investment, Anson has the potential to become a reference point for industrial shipbuilding in Southeast Asia, not just as a location, but as a model for sustainable marine industrial development.