BGC Signs Deal With Korean Shipbuilder
By Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - The oil and gas industry reached another milestone yesterday when Brunei Gas Carriers Sendirian Berhad (BGC) entered into a shipbuilding contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Company Limited (DSME) from the Republic of Korea for the construction of two 147,000m3 LNG vessels.

The signing ceremony took place yesterday morning at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Guest of honour for the ceremony was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang 1-1j Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office who is also Chairman of BGC and Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad (BLNG).

Among the guests at the signing ceremony were Mr Hwang Won Kuan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam, senior officials from the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and representatives from BGC, BLNG and Mitshubishi Corporation.

Signing on behalf of BGC was Awang Hj Ibrahim bin Hj Mohd Yassin, Acting Managing Director, while the President and CEO of DSME, Mr Sang-Tae Nam, signed for the shipbuilder.

BGC is a joint venture company primarily owned by the Government of His Majesty through the Prime Minister Corporation with the remaining participating interests held by Shell Gas BV and Diamond Gas Carriers BV (wholly-owned subsidiary company of Mitshubishi Corporation). The venture was established in March 1998.

DSME, established in 1973 at Okpo Bay, Geoje Island, on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula, has developed into the world's premium specialised shipbuilding and offshore contractor. DSME's Okpo shipyard is recognised around the world for its unsurpassed quality and technology.

The two new LNG vessels will be the largest in the Brunei LNG fleet. The first vessel is planned to be delivered in the first quarter 2011 with the second vessel to follow suit six months later.

The introduction of these two new vessels is part of BLNG programme to prepare for contract extension that includes modernising its LNG fleet. These vessels will ensure its continued unparalled 35-year record of delivering LNG safely and reliably to its customers while providing the most cost effective shipping solution for the future.

The existing Brunei LNG fleet comprises Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd's five 75,000m3 vessels and two 77,000m3 vessels and one 137,000 m3 vessel, SS Abadi, commissioned in 2002 by BGC, delivering LNG cargo from the Brunei LNG project to Japan and South Korea.

Awang Hj Ibrahim bin Hj Mohd Yassin, Acting Managing Director of BGS, said Brunei Gas Carriers was tasked to look into the shipping aspects of the Brunei LNG Project to support Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd's preparation activities for its contract extension.

The vessels to be built by DSME, he said, will be equipped with the latest technological advances including application of the most environmentally fuel efficient propulsion system (dual-fuel diesel electric, DFDE propulsion system) on a membrane containment type vessel.

He added, "BGC will continue to closely manage the manning of the vessels by Bruneians, ensuring the recruitment and development of Bruneian officers and crew takes place. Incorporating the latest technology, these vessels will also provide our Bruneian officers and crew with the opportunity to further develop their skills and enhance their seafaring experience." -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with