12 Tankers To Be Built At Muara Shipyard

Brunei's very own ship repair and maintenance company, AT&S Sdn Bhd, and its US-based partner Offshore Energy Holding (OEH) LLC signed a 200-million-US-dollar contract with Vanuatu Shipping Corporation, their first client, to build 12 tankers at the Muara shipyard The landmark ceremony was held at the Orchid Garden Hotel, yesterday. Present to witness the ceremony as guest of honour was YAM Pg Anak Hj Abd Kadir bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Sahibul Kahar Pg Anak Hj Mohd Yusof.
Signing on behalf of AT&S was its Chairman and Managing Director, Hj Abd Wahab bin Hj Awg Tengah, while Vanuatu Shipping Corporation was represented by Mr Thureign.
The contract that AT&S signed yesterday with Vanuatu Shipping Corporation, a state-owned company incorporated in Republic of Vanuatu will secure work for the next three to five years at the AT&S shipyard.
According to a press statement from AT&S, the assets include but are not limited to an immediate expansion programme and acquisition of additional yard capacity; covered production facilities with overhead cranes ranging between 25 and 100 tonnes; and a new floating dry dock with an overall lifting capacity for vessels up to 55,00 tonne deadweight.
The shipyard is to undergo an extensive expansion programme for the next two or three years with the objective of attaining an international recognised ISO standard. Therefore part of the vessels will be built at affiliated shipyards in the region.
Mr Gerard Gesman of OEH said the vessels will include Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels, Jack-up Rigs, Diving Support Vessels (DP Pipe Lay Vessels (DP II), Heavy Lift Vessels for worldwide operations, Bulk Carriers, Tankers and Floating Dry Docks.
He added that the move will further provide job opportunities for locals and help to boost the marine industry in Brunei.
In the meantime, AT&S is planning to acquire more land for shipyard expansion and is currently negotiating deals with the relevant authorities.
The unprecedented contract is in line with AT&S' vision of contributing to the Nation's economy and consolidating its investments to protect the interest of the company and welfare of Brunei's future generations.
In future, AT&S hopes to set up a Marine Institute to train Bruneians in the marine industry, and tap prospective clients from Mauritius, Reunion Island, Comoros and Myanmar.