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Brunei: Transforming the maritime sector
Major investments in digital systems and port infrastructure are positioning Brunei as a competitive maritime hub, with MPABD playing a key role in delivering the goals of Wawasan 2035
- PUBLISHED: Mon 16 Feb 2026, 10:40 AM
Since the unveiling of Wawasan Brunei 2035, the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has played a key role in the success of the long-term development agenda by supporting economic diversification, trade efficiency and global connectivity. This has been achieved by delivering efficient port operations, improving logistics performance and enhancing regional and international connectivity.
One of the major initiatives that has helped to deliver success has been the implementation of Brunei’s first Maritime Single Window system, a major milestone in modernising port administration and documentation. This has helped to transform port operations and is merely the start of a major overhaul of the country’s maritime operations.
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"The maritime digitalisation initiative replaced 14 manual forms with a single electronic submission and cut average vessel clearance time by more than 40 per cent," explained Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive of MPABD.
"The system now connects port authorities, customs, immigration, the police and the health department in one trusted digital ecosystem. This is just the first phase of our transformation. Phase two is underway, expanding to smart port operations, licensing, seafarer IDs, financial transactions and human resources modules. Part of our five-pillar strategic plan, this digitalisation aims for full maritime logistics and administrative automation by 2026, with 100 per cent adoption targeted within five years, no later than 2030. Beyond convenience, it enables real-time maritime data for evidence-based regulation, predictive scheduling, and future Internet of Things and artificial intelligence applications."
It is not just new systems that are being introduced; Brunei has also invested heavily in infrastructure as it bids to position the country as a regional maritime logistics hub. Key to achieving this has been the modernisation of Muara Port, the nation’s main maritime gateway.
"The Muara Port expansion involves $400 million in foreign investment from Brunei Darussalam Asset and Guangxi Beibu Port Group, doubling the current twenty-foot equivalent unit capacity from 250,000 by 2027,” said Rahman. "We are adding 3.6 hectares of trade zone space, with potential to become a free trade zone. This supports diversified, demand-driven growth and helps Brunei reduce reliance on oil and gas. The modernisation includes deeper drafts, new cranes and a digital gate system, positioning Brunei as a regional transhipment and multimodal hub."
Alongside the development of Muara Port, plans are also underway to create a broader maritime cluster that will offer services such as repairs, bunkering, logistics and decommissioning.
“We are expanding Brunei’s GDP through MPABD by developing an integrated maritime service cluster across all nine maritime sectors, not just Muara Port,” detailed Rahman. “For example, the ship-to-ship transfer and layup area is expected to be operational by Q1 2026, generating spinoff services like oil bunkering and offshore support. We are also licensing shipyards and maritime service supply bases, offering land and offshore assets to potential investors. This initiative aims to increase vessel calls by 30 per cent and diversify revenue by 5–8 per cent by 2026.
“This aligns with our refreshed vision which covers the period from 2026 until 2030. Our goal is to make MPABD a trusted leader in maritime connectivity, economic prosperity and sustainability. By 2030, we aim for 100 per cent digitalisation of key services, zero major incidents, 30 per cent greenhouse gas reduction and three marine protected zones.”
For more information, visit: www.mpabd.gov.bn