Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week (BDMW) 2026 was officially launched today at the Dermaga Diraja Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan. This year's theme is "Powering Maritime Excellence: Safe Seas, Thriving Economy, Future-Ready People." Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), the event serves as a key platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the maritime sector.
The ceremony began with a recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by Yang Mulia Haji Mohammad Ashraf bin Haji Bujang Yussop, Imam Surau Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Brunei. It then continued with welcoming remarks by Yang Mulia Captain (Ret.) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive of MPABD.
The ceremony proceeded with a keynote address delivered by the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications and Chairman of MPABD, who also officially launched Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week (BDMW) 2026.
In his keynote address, Yang Berhormat Minister emphasized the significance of this year's theme, "Powering Maritime Excellence: Safe Seas, Thriving Economy, Future-Ready People." He highlighted that these elements form an interconnected cycle where safe seas generate confidence, confidence attracts investment, and investment creates meaningful opportunities for the nation's populace. Furthermore, he noted that safety, security, and environmental protection serve as the essential foundation for sustainable maritime growth rather than competing obligations.
To translate these commitments into action, Yang Berhormat Minister outlined two key priorities. First, leveraging Brunei's membership in the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to strengthen domestic capabilities. Beyond membership, the focus remains on enhancing aids to navigation, modernizing Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), building technical competencies, and expanding regional cooperation. Second, advancing operational readiness for the Ship-to-Ship and Lay-Up Designated Area (SLDA). MPABD recently conducted readiness exercises integrated with the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP) to test emergency procedures, communications, and inter-agency coordination ahead of commercial operations.
Emphasizing workforce inclusivity, Yang Berhormat Minister expressed encouragement over Maritime Week's focus on youth development, capability building, and increasing women's participation in the sector. To achieve these long-term goals, he called for three key commitments across all sectors: swift implementation of projects with clear ownership and timelines, seamless integration of government, industry, and technology, and strong partnerships spanning government, industry, academia, and international stakeholders.
Concluding his address, Yang Berhormat Minister underscored Brunei's strategic vision: "Brunei Darussalam does not need to become the largest maritime nation, but we must strive to become one of the most trusted—trusted for our governance, safety standards, and efficient, reliable services. Safe seas build confidence, confidence strengthens the economy, and a future-ready workforce transforms opportunity into lasting national progress."
The opening ceremony also featured a special video message from Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who commended Brunei Darussalam's continued commitment to advancing safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable shipping. In his message, he acknowledged Brunei Darussalam'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 to build a smarter, greener, and more inclusive maritime future.
The ceremony also featured a special message from Mr. Francis Zachariae, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), reaffirming the importance of international cooperation in strengthening marine aids to navigation, maritime safety, and sustainable development. His message underscored the significance of collaboration among maritime administrations in enhancing safe and efficient navigation for the benefit of the global maritime community.
During the ceremony, Yang Berhormat Minister presented tokens of appreciation to sponsors and recipients in recognition of their contributions to Brunei Darussalam's maritime and port-related industry associations and for MPABD's exceptional conduct during maritime emergencies, which was complemented by a special presentation on the history of Brunei Darussalam's maritime sector was delivered by Yang Mulia Dr. Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos.
The programme also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Brunei Darussalam Arbitration Centre (BDAC) and the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA), as well as the signing of another MoU between Anson International Sdn Bhd and SPHI Marine Sdn Bhd. Invited guests also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition showcasing the participation of government agencies, industry partners, higher learning institutions, and international organisations.
BDMW also featured a comprehensive and insightful three-day program, held from 6 to 8 August 2026, covering eight key themes: Leadership Dialogue: Future of Maritime in ASEAN Opportunities, Risks and Strategic Priorities, Ship-to-Ship & Lay-up Designated Area (SLDA) From Anchorage to Opportunity: Unlocking Brunei's Next Maritime Growth Engine through SLDA, Maritime Economy & Trade: Strengthening Maritime Connectivity and Economic Growth, Maritime Sustainability: Adopting Sustainable Maritime Practices, Workforce & Talent Development: Building a Future-Ready Maritime Workforce, Smart Ports & Digitalization: Powering Smart Ports: Digital Transformation in Action, Maritime Safety & Security: Enhancing Maritime Safety and Security through Integrated Operations and Maritime Safety & Security: Enhancing Maritime Safety and Security through Integrated Operations.
The forums successfully hosted a diverse array of speakers, including regional and international industry experts, who shared their valuable knowledge and perspectives on critical maritime issues. In addition to the dynamic forum discussions, the event showcased a robust exhibition with 70 participating exhibitors drawn from government agencies, the private sector, higher institutions, and international bodies, offering valuable networking and learning opportunities.
Also in attendance were Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, members of the MPABD Board of Directors, senior government officials, representatives from higher learning institutions, and maritime industry partners.
BDMW 2026 runs from 6 to 9 August 2026 at the Dermaga Diraja Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan. The event is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an extended break for Friday prayers from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. For the full schedule of forums, exhibitions, and activities, members of the public may visit www.bruneimaritimeweek.com
Now in its third edition, BDMW has affirmed its status as an annual event and it serves as a powerful testament to MPABD's steadfast commitment to the continuous development and modernisation of the nation's maritime sector.
