Halcrow Group to do feasibility study on PMB
By Azlan Othman 

The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) has engaged the services of the Halcrow Group to undertake a study on the feasibility of developing Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) into a competitive global port hub. The signing ceremony was held yesterday at BEDB's headquarters in Jln Ong Sum Ping. Signing on behalf of BEDB was Dato Hj Yusof B. Hj Hamid, Chairman of BEDB, while Halcrow Group was represented by Richard Clarke, Director of Ports and Dockyards of the Group.

The development would benefit from PMB's strategic location and its proximity to natural deep water.

This initiative is part of BEDB's two-pronged strategy to kick start Brunei's economic diversification and create employment opportunities for the people.

The main deliverables of the study will include an analysis of the trends in the global container transport market, a feasibility assessment of PMB as a globally competitive port, identification of development options, options ranking and recommendations for private sector participation.

Work will commence in May 2003 and will last for four months. The findings will be presented to key stakeholders, amongst others, government ministries, heads of mission, chambers of commerce and private sector in September 2003.

Commenting on the agreement with the Halcrow Group, Dato Hj Yusof Hj Hamid said, "This initiative is very much in line with the thrust of the 8th National Development Plan and BEDB's efforts to further diversify Brunei's economy.

"Given the recent developments in the port and shipping industries, it is important for BEDB to undertake this study to assess the challenges and opportunities arising from these developments and how Brunei could position itself to reap the much anticipated benefits."

"The BEDB is very pleased to be able to engage the services of Halcrow, an independent and internationally reputed consultancy and engineering firm in the development of global port hubs," said John Perry, CEO of BEDB.

"The importance of an independent assessment for developing PMB cannot be over emphasised. It is imperative in the long term to develop sustainable projects which are well founded."

"The Halcrow Group is honoured to be appointed to carry out this important study. The last few years have seen major changes in the pattern of shipping. These developments combined with the long-term trends in ship sizes, provide Brunei with an opportunity to position itself in the sector. With its proven experience, Halcrow is confident that it will be able to contribute to Brunei's diversification strategy," said Richard Clarke.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin