• Today: August 8, 2026

Brunei Maritime Week 2026 opens with focus on innovation, collaboration

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week (BDMW) 2026 officially opened on Thursday, bringing together government agencies, industry leaders, academics and international organisations to discuss the future of the nation’s maritime sector.

The four-day event, organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), was launched by Minister of Transport and Infocommunications and MPABD Chairman Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos at Dermaga Diraja in the capital.

Held under the theme “Powering Maritime Excellence: Safe Seas, Thriving Economy, Future-Ready People,” the event serves as MPABD’s flagship platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

In his welcoming remarks, MPABD Chief Executive Captain (Rtd) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman described BDMW as a national platform that unites government agencies, industry players, academia, international organisations and future maritime professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and support the country’s maritime development.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications and MPABD Chairman Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos at the launch of the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week (BDMW) 2026. PHOTOS: RAFI ROSLI

He also highlighted the strong collaboration among government agencies, industry partners, educational institutions, diplomatic missions, sponsors, exhibitors and media organisations in making this year’s event possible.

The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza, who also officially declared BDMW 2026 open.

A special video message from International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez commended Brunei’s commitment to safe, secure and sustainable shipping.

He acknowledged Brunei’s accession to the IMO Facilitation (FAL) Convention, the implementation of the Maritime Single Window and MPABD’s Navigating 2030 Strategic Plan, while encouraging continued collaboration towards a smarter and greener maritime industry.

The ceremony also featured a recorded message from International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) Secretary-General Francis Zachariae, who emphasised the importance of international cooperation in strengthening maritime safety, navigation and sustainable development.

Guests also witnessed a presentation on the history of Brunei’s maritime sector.

During the ceremony, the minister presented tokens of appreciation to sponsors and organisations in recognition of their contributions to the maritime sector and MPABD’s emergency response efforts.

Guests also witnessed a presentation on the history of Brunei’s maritime sector by Dr Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos.

Two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were also signed. The first was between the Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) and the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA), while the second involved Anson International Sdn Bhd and SPHI Marine Sdn Bhd.

Visitors toured an exhibition featuring 70 exhibitors from government agencies, private companies, higher learning institutions and international organisations.

Running until August 9, BDMW 2026 features leadership dialogues and forums covering maritime connectivity, the Ship-to-Ship and Lay-up Designated Area (SLDA), trade, sustainability, digital transformation, workforce development, smart ports, and maritime safety and security.

Now in its third edition, the event has established itself as MPABD’s flagship annual platform to promote innovation, strengthen partnerships and support the continued modernisation of Brunei Darussalam’s maritime industry.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Lyna Mohammad

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