What is a liquid mud plant — and why is it more than just 'mud'?
During oil well drilling, an invisible but indispensable substance is needed: *drilling mud*. Not just regular wet soil — this is a precise mixture of water, clay, chemicals, and additives that cools the drill bit, controls underground pressure, and carries rock cuttings to the surface. Without it, drilling would be high risk — or impossible.
A liquid mud plant (LMP) is the center for production and logistics of this substance: where it is mixed, tested, stored, and delivered to offshore platforms. Until now, most LMPs in Brunei have been operated by foreign companies — or local companies that only act as operation contractors, not asset owners.
VidDaCom has transitioned from a service provider to a strategic asset owner. With this LMP, the company is not just entering the upstream value chain — but mastering part of it.
Why is this more than just a new project?
Oil and gas contribute over 90% of Brunei's government revenue. But the involvement of local companies in the upstream sector remains limited: most contracts are on peripheral work, transportation, or maintenance — not on managing critical technical assets like LMPs.
Owning this plant is a concrete action. It strengthens industrial autonomy, reduces dependence on foreign contractors, and accelerates technology transfer. Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, emphasized that increasing local content is not just a slogan — but a policy directive. VidDaCom answers that call.
Collaboration with SLB and BSP is not just about big names. It is proof that global partners believe in the technical and management capabilities of VidDaCom — not as a subcontractor, but as an equal partner.
Jobs are not empty promises — they start this week
Construction of the plant will begin in a few weeks. It is not just about digging the ground — but creating direct job opportunities: process engineers, analytical chemists, plant operators, safety technicians, and logistics support teams.
VidDaCom has launched an intensive training program with SLB — not general courses, but specialized training in mud formulation, rheology testing, and drilling fluid quality management.
Mr. Abu Bakar bin Omar, Senior Officer at VidDaCom, said: "We do not want Bruneian citizens to just 'press buttons'. We train them to understand formulas, calculate parameters, and make technical decisions — so they can lead the plant themselves, or move to regional projects."
When fully operational, the plant will provide over 50 permanent jobs — mostly for local graduates in chemical engineering, materials science, and industrial safety. No more need to go to Malaysia or Singapore for such technical jobs.
Challenges? There are. But they are designed to be overcome
This plant is not a small project. Its construction cost is estimated in tens of millions of Brunei dollars. VidDaCom needs to prove its operational competence, pricing accuracy, and market resilience — especially with established competitors.
However, two key factors provide a solid foundation: long-term supply agreements with BSP as the main buyer, and full technical support from SLB. The stable cash flow from BSP allows VidDaCom to focus on quality and compliance — not short-term survival.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in 12–18 months. International audit tests will be conducted before commercial operations begin. The location in the Muara Port industrial area provides fast access to offshore platforms — reducing emergency mud delivery time from hours to minutes.
Voices behind building this plant
Puan Siti Zubaidah binti Haji Ahmad, CEO of VidDaCom, said: "This is not about profit or loss in the first year. This is about proving that a local company can own, operate, and maintain technical assets that have long been considered 'too complex' for us. We are not following — we are setting the standard."
A representative from BSP added: "We did not choose VidDaCom because they are local. We chose them because they passed all technical tests, safety audits, and crisis simulation scenarios. This is a partnership based on performance — not preference."
Brunei is no longer just an oil producer. It is building the capability to produce, test, and manage upstream technology itself — from its land, by its people, for its future.
What is your view? Do strategic asset ownership by local companies like VidDaCom truly accelerate Brunei's economic transformation — or is it just a symbolic step? Share your opinion in the comments section.