The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has launched its five-year strategic plan, outlining a roadmap for the development of the country’s maritime sector through to 2030.
The Navigating 2030: MPABD Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026-2030) was unveiled by Minister of Transport and Infocommunications and Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha.
In his keynote address, the minister called for a decisive shift for the sector, moving it beyond a traditional supporting role to become a dynamic engine for trade, investment and innovation.
He stated that the plan responds to a fundamental question “How do we transform our seas, our ports and our maritime talent into a powerful engine of national progress, one that supports the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035?”
He emphasised that the strategy is a direct response to a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“Therefore, in this rapidly evolving environment, the maritime and ports sector can no longer afford to remain a supporting actor. It must rise to become a central pillar of national competitiveness, a driver of trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth,” said the minister.
The strategic plan is fully aligned with Brunei’s national vision, supporting Wawasan Brunei 2035, the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint, the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12) and the upcoming MTIC Strategic Plan 2030. Its development incorporated extensive consultation with 23 public and private sector organisations, ensuring broad-based input and practical grounding.
Navigating 2030 is built upon four core commitments, underlined the minister. The first ensures uncompromising safety, security, and environmental stewardship, aiming for a modern regulatory framework fully aligned with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and ISO standards by 2030.
He stated that a safe and well governed maritime sector safeguards lives, protects our environment and strengthens Brunei’s international reputation.
Secondly, the plan commits to driving economic diversification through the maritime sector. This involves expanding maritime services, creating a Maritime Development Master Plan, and diversifying port activities to generate new opportunities for local businesses in logistics and marine-tech.
The third pillar focuses on investing in Brunei’s maritime talent, with the goal of establishing the nation as a centre of maritime expertise. This will be achieved through enhanced competency development, expanded scholarship and cadetship programmes, and the creation of high-quality careers for Bruneians.
Finally, the strategy champions accelerating digital, green, and regional leadership. Targets include the full digitalisation of MPABD processes, implementation of a Maritime Single Window, and increased adoption of clean energy. Concurrently, Brunei seeks a more active leadership role in regional forums like ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA.
The plan establishes a clear direction, guided by the ethical principles of Maqasid Syariah. The minister explained that MPABD has adopted these principles as its moral guide in building a maritime sector that is safe, prosperous, and sustainable.
He also acknowledged MPABD’s recent progress as a solid foundation but stressed that implementation is key.
“The real test, however, begins now. Progress will depend on MPABD’s disciplined execution, on government agencies aligning policies and sharing data, on industry investing and innovating and, on our institutions producing the necessary talent,” said YB Pg Dato Shamhary.
Following the keynote, the minister unveiled the strategic plan, which was accompanied by the screening of its official video.
The event then proceeded with two expert speaker sessions. The first, titled “Muara Port 2030: Gateway to a Thriving Maritime Economy,” was delivered by Chief Operating Officer of Muara Port Company Mohd Fazilah Hj Md Yassin.
The second, “Brunei’s Strategic Place in the New Maritime Map: From Oil and Gas Reliance to Regional Maritime Leader,” was presented by Joseph Kam-Fu Hu from Deloitte & Touche, Singapore.
Looking forward, the minister expressed confidence that, with continued commitment to this vision, the nation would witness safer and cleaner waters and a more competitive blue economy.
He anticipated Bruneians excelling in high-quality maritime and logistics careers, and the nation gaining regional recognition for its excellence, responsibility, and innovation.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) and Deputy Chairman of MPABD Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, alongside other dignitaries including Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, members of the MPABD Board of Directors, senior government officials, and key partners from the maritime industry.
THE BRUNEIAN | BRUNEI-MUARA
