The smell of fresh paint and the sound of welding echoes at Muara Port this morning — not just the sounds of a workshop, but the sound of the beginning of Brunei's industrial shipbuilding industry.
Anson Shipyard officially launched its integrated shipyard at the Muara Oil and Gas Center (PMB) with the construction of Hull 211: an 80-person crew transfer vessel for Fast Offshore Services. This is not an ordinary project. It is the first step for Brunei to build full-scale industrial vessels on its own soil.
This project was born from the collaboration between Anson and Fast Offshore Services — a local shipbuilding company that has provided offshore support services for over a decade. Hull 211 was specifically designed to transport oil and gas workers to platforms in the South China Sea. Its length is 45 meters. Its speed reaches 25 knots. It is equipped with a digital navigation system, air-conditioned cabins, and a cargo hold that can be adjusted for daily loads.
Hull 211: Not Just a Ship, But a Test of Local Capability
Hull 211 is a clear proof: Brunei is capable of building high-value maritime assets without relying on foreign contractors. Its design emphasizes fuel efficiency and crew safety — important in the harsh weather conditions of Borneo waters. The construction process is strict: welding of 12-millimeter thick steel plates, installation of complex pipe systems, and successive pressure tests.
"We are proud to carry out this project entirely in Brunei, with trained local workforce," said Awang Harris bin Bakir, Managing Director of Anson. "This is just the beginning. We aim to build larger and more advanced ships within two years."
More Than 100 Local Workers Hired, Intensive Training Launched
The construction of Hull 211 will directly employ more than 100 local workers — welders, structural engineers, marine system technicians, and crane operators. This changes the industrial landscape that once relied on foreign labor.
Anson also launched a six-month training program for local youth — from basic steel welding to hydraulic system leak testing. No empty theoretical modules. All practical, on the ship being built.
"I used to work in a shipyard in Singapore. Now I'm back — same salary, but I sleep in my own home every night," said Zulhilmi bin Omar, a 28-year-old welder currently installing the hull frame of Hull 211.
The impact is widespread: steel suppliers in Bandar Seri Begawan, pipe manufacturers in Tutong, and logistics companies in Kuala Belait are also receiving orders. According to the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, every ringgit invested in shipbuilding generates RM2.50 in side economic activity.
Own Shipyards = Less Dependent, More Sovereign
This move aligns with Brunei's long-term strategy: reducing dependence on oil and gas. The maritime industry has been identified as one of the main pillars of Brunei Vision 2035.
With its own shipyards, Brunei no longer needs to rent support vessels from outside — saving millions of ringgit annually. It also accelerates the maintenance process of operational ships, increases the resilience of the maritime supply chain, and strengthens the country's technical sovereignty.
"We are not just building ships. We are building capabilities — to plan, produce, and maintain our own maritime assets," emphasized Minister of Transport and Information and Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Mohd Yusof.
Challenge: Quality, Not Price
Anson aims to complete Hull 211 in 18 months. After that, the shipyard will begin building other support vessels — including for international oil companies operating in Brunei's exclusive economic zone.
The capacity of PMB allows the production of up to 10 ships per year. However, there is fierce competition: shipyards in Vietnam and the Philippines offer lower prices. Brunei's answer is not to lower prices — but to raise standards. Focus on environmental compliance, structural durability, and low-emission design.
Another challenge: the supply of skilled labor. For this, Anson has established partnerships with the Brunei Institute of Technology (ITB) and Brunei Polytechnic — aligning the curriculum with real shipyard requirements.
At the corner of PMB, Hull 211 is slowly being born. Each plate is welded. Each pipe is connected. Each screw is tightened. It is not just a ship. It is a symbol of confidence — that Brunei is no longer just a ship user, but a confident shipbuilder.