Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) commemorated two major milestones, the 50th Anniversary of the Seria Crude Oil Terminal (SCOT) and the 25th Anniversary of the Tungku Gas Plant (TGP), while recognising the contributions and commitment of its Orang Kitani workforce.
In his speech at the recent doa kesyukuran ceremony, BSP Managing Director Johan Atema highlighted the company’s extensive 95-year legacy in Brunei, beginning with the 1929 discovery of oil in the Seria field.
This achievement laid the foundation for offshore exploration and establishing key facilities, including the Seria Crude Oil Terminal, Tungku Gas Plant, and a range of midstream and downstream industries.
“This shows that BSP plays a significant role in the development and growth of Brunei’s energy industry ecosystem, creating generations of employment within the oil and gas sector and the service industry. We have built the foundation that drives the growth of the country’s economy including its efforts to realise Brunei Darussalam’s economic diversification efforts and Wawasan 2035,” he said.
The managing director thanked past leaders and teams for contributing to BSP’s legacy. He also thanked the current workforce, Orang Kitani, and business partners for their dedication and commitment, urging them to maintain their efforts as the company continues fulfilling its responsibilities to Brunei Darussalam.
“I believe it is the people who have driven our success and growth. Your commitment and professionalism define the organisation, enabling us to adapt and thrive over the past 25 to 50 years. This dedication will continue to drive our success in the years to come,” he said.
Atema emphasised the importance of staying aware of business dynamics, national needs, and external factors that may bring challenges.
The managing director added that the first step in preparing for changes and challenges is acknowledging reality and embracing the challenges together as a team.
“Finally, we must cultivate a ‘Bias for Action’ mindset—taking ownership of our deliverables and acting efficiently, and prioritising safety in all aspects including psychological well-being,” he concluded.
For his part, BSP’s Onshore Asset Manager said that these achievements highlight the growth and evolution of the energy sector in Brunei Darussalam, especially since BSP began expanding its operations offshore in the 1970s.
“Achieving these landmarks gives us a moment to reflect on our past performance, and more importantly, to focus on how we can sustain excellence in the years to come,” said Haji Mohamad Sufri Haji Sulaiman.
He also said that as Orang Kitani in BSP, one must be profoundly responsible to the company and the country.
“We are the critical driver to Brunei Darussalam’s economic growth; and we contribute towards building a stronger foundation for Brunei Darussalam, the future generations and to advance Brunei Darussalam’s Vision 2035,” he said.
The onshore asset manager highlighted the indispensable role of BSP staff, engineers, and business partners, past and present, in building a legacy of excellence in Brunei’s energy sector.
“We have a significant responsibility in powering Brunei Darussalam. For all of us in SCOT and TGP, we must continue demonstrating operational excellence, ensuring that we perform our activities safely, reliably, and responsibly. This aligns with BSP’s overarching mission to explore and produce oil and gas for the country,” he continued.
SCOT, inaugurated on 5 June 1972 by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, marked Brunei’s entry into the international oil market with its first crude oil export in 1974, followed by the establishment of the Single Buoy Mooring.
“Alhamdulillah, till today, our products such as Brunei Light, Champion, and the Seria Light Export Blend continue to be of high value and in demand. For the past decade, SCOT has consistently performed, averaging 100,000 barrels of crude oil loading to international customers,” said Haji Mohamad Sufri.
On the other hand, TGP, also known as Bandar Gas Operation, has contributed to the company’s overall success.
“While TGP may be a lower-profile asset compared to SCOT, Champion, or Ampa, it plays a vital role in Brunei Darussalam’s energy landscape,” he said.
Commissioned in 1998, TGP supplies gas to power stations owned by the Department of Electrical Services and Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd.
The event celebrated past achievements and reaffirmed a commitment to sustaining Brunei’s energy legacy. With the workforce at the centre of its success, BSP looks toward a future of operational excellence and sustainability, aligned with the country’s vision.
“This success is driven by Orang Kitani who operate and maintain these assets 24/7, rain or shine, ensuring that we continuously generate economic activity for the country. Their contributions are essential for our day-to-day operations and play a significant role in advancing Wawasan Brunei 2035, helping to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for Brunei,” said the onshore asset manager.
Held at Pusat Insani in Seria, the ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister, Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohamad Azmi Haji Mohd Hanifah, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Hajah Farida Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira Pengiran Haji Petra and Managing Director of Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam Shamir Salahudin.
Also present were former Hydrocarbon Processing Managers.
THE BRUNEIAN | BELAIT