“Navigating 2030 has set the path, not only for the growth of the maritime sector in Brunei Darussalam but also to ensure its safety, security and environmental sustainability”
The ports and maritime sector of Brunei Darussalam has been a key facilitator of trade and connectivity. The country is embarking on efforts for the sustained development of the sector and envisioning continued prosperity and new opportunities. At the official launch of Navigating 2030: Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam’s [MPABD] Five-Year Strategic Plan, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, as Chairman of MPABD, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of the maritime sector in the country and targets and commitments envisioned under the plan. Edited excerpts …
Strategic importance of the ports and maritime sector
The maritime heritage of Brunei Darussalam has been an important part of the country’s identity. Its waters have carried history, nourished people, supported trade and facilitated connectivity to distant shores much before modern ports or technologies existed. The launch of Navigating 2030, the five-year strategic plan of the MPABD, reflects the need for organisations to focus not only on direction but on outcomes. In an interconnected world that relies heavily on maritime transport, the country is now envisioning a new future where the maritime sector becomes a source of sustained prosperity, resilience and opportunity for generations to come.
The global landscape is now evolving, supply chains are being reshaped, digital and green technologies are transforming ports and shipping operations and developments at regional ports are gaining momentum. At the same time, Brunei Darussalam is accelerating economic diversification, strengthening international connectivity and investing significantly in people and digital foundations. Hence, the maritime and port sector, which has quietly supported the nation by ensuring the flow of food, essential goods and exports, upholding safety at sea and maintaining connectivity with the rest of the world, can no longer afford to remain a supporting actor in this rapidly evolving environment. It must rise to become a central pillar of national competitiveness and a driver of trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth. Navigating 2030 recognises this new reality and refreshes the MPABD’s vision to be the trusted leader driving Brunei’s maritime connectivity, economic prosperity and sustainability.
Further, the MPABD, through strengthened safety enforcement, digital pilot projects, growing collaboration with international partners and the expansion of maritime talent development programmes, has already laid strong foundations for this next chapter.
Navigating 2030
There is a need to move beyond conversations and towards bold, measurable change that will shape the future of the maritime sector and secure oceans for generations to come. In this regard, the MPABD has taken the initiative to produce the five-year strategic plan for 2026-30, titled Navigating 2030, and embark on its implementation. Navigating 2030 has set the path not only for the growth of the maritime sector in Brunei Darussalam but also to ensure its safety, security and environmental sustainability.
With the need to transform the seas, ports and maritime talent of the country into a powerful engine of national progress that supports the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, Navigating 2030 provides a part of the pathway to achieve this vision. This strategic plan is firmly aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035, its associated Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint, the Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12) and the upcoming Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications [MTIC] Strategic Plan 2030. It reflects national priorities in economic diversification, global connectivity, digital transformation, environmental stewardship and workforce development.
Key commitments
The Navigating 2030 strategic plan is expected to deliver four key commitments. These commitments will require co-operation, discipline and collective ownership.
The first commitment places emphasis on uncompromising safety, security and environmental stewardship. By 2030, the country aims for a modern regulatory framework aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, supported by ISO standards and enforced with rigour. This includes compliance with safety requirements, improved readiness for maritime incidents and adherence to environmental obligations including MARPOL (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships). A safe and well-governed maritime sector safeguards lives, protects the environment and strengthens Brunei Darussalam’s international reputation.
The second commitment focuses on developing a maritime sector that drives economic diversification. The MPABD aims to expand maritime services, grow non-traditional revenue streams and establish a Maritime Development Master Plan to enable sustainable growth. By 2030, the country targets to have diversified port activities, greater opportunities for local companies in logistics, marine services and marine-tech, and stronger financial resilience that enables reinvestment in infrastructure, innovation and capability.
The plan also targets to invest in Brunei’s maritime talent, with Navigating 2030 envisioning the country as a centre of maritime expertise. In order to achieve this, MPABD must strengthen competency development, expand scholarships and cadetship programmes, and generate high quality jobs for Bruneians in maritime and logistics.
Further, accelerating digital, green and regional leadership forms the fourth commitment. The country targets full digitalisation of the core processes of the MPABD, full implementation of the maritime single-window, port community system and smart port management services, as well as increased adoption of clean energy and green technologies by 2030.
Brunei Darussalam is also envisioned to take a more active leadership role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) maritime co-operation.
Shaping future progress
Navigating 2030 was developed through wide consultation with 23 organisations across the public and private sectors and is benchmarked against regional best practices and IMO requirements. Progress, however, will depend on the MPABD’s disciplined execution, government agencies aligning policies and sharing data, industries carrying out investments and innovations, and institutions producing the necessary talent.
While the plan spans five years, its aspirations extend beyond, facilitating the maritime sector to move from maintaining compliance to achieving intelligent maritime stewardship, from a stable maritime economy to a dynamic and future-ready one, and from being a respected authority to becoming a forerunner in the region.
Remaining committed to this vision will facilitate safer and cleaner waters, a stronger and more competitive blue economy, and being recognised regionally for excellence, responsibility and innovation.
