Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof in a group photo. - MUIZ MATDANI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Marking an important milestone in Brunei Darussalam’s energy sector, the Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam (PA) and EnQuest EP BV Limited signed a production sharing agreement (PSA) for an offshore block in a ceremony held on Wednesday (July 16)
The signing represents the first new PSA award in Brunei in over 10 years, marking a significant revival in the nation’s upstream oil and gas sector and demonstrating Brunei’s ongoing commitment to rejuvenate its upstream oil and gas industry and drive sustainable economic growth.
Present as the guest of honour to witness the milestone signing was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof.
Managing director of PA Shamir Salahudin in his welcoming remark shared, “EnQuest BV Ltd will be the second independent oil and gas company entering our industry in Brunei, following Hibiscus EP in Block B in 2024, increasing to four active operators, underscoring Brunei’s hydrocarbon potential.”
He added, “We envisage that with more new players entering the industry, we will be able to foster a more competitive and dynamic oil and gas landscape. This will provide ample opportunities for creative and innovative collaboration among industry players.”
Looking ahead, he expressed, “In the true spirit of collaboration, the PA, together with the other regulatory agencies and oil and gas operators, can achieve our goals of developing a progressive and resilient oil and gas industry for the country.”
Meanwhile, general fanager of South East Asia of EnQuest Ahmed Radzif PM Mustafa Kamal in his speech highlighted, “We recognise that this agreement is not only about energy production – it is about aligning with Brunei’s long-term aspirations to sustainably harness its natural resources, particularly natural gas, for national progress and energy security.
“We fully support Brunei’s vision of maintaining its position as a reliable and responsible energy producer, while embracing the energy transition.”
Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah Mohammed Taib, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance and Economy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam and PA Board of Directors also were in attendance.
Signing on behalf of the PA was Shamir Salahudin, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan Abdul Razak as PA Board of Directors. While EnQuest EP BV Limited signing was represented by Ahmed Radzif and Commercial Manager of EnQuest Malaysia Hafeiz Mat Jusoh.
EnQuest, a subsidiary of London-based EnQuest PLC, is a leading independent energy company with a strong presence in the United Kingdom and South-East Asia.
As part of its commitment to Brunei Darussalam, EnQuest has established its local branch, EnQuest EP BV Limited, to spearhead project activities. Pre-development activities for the petroleum block are already underway with the first gas production targeted for 2029.
The award of the PSA not only highlights Brunei Darussalam’s attractiveness as a destination for oil and gas exploration and development but also reflects PA’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with reputable international partners.
This partnership is expected to strengthen Brunei’s energy security, create new employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development.
EnQuest’s entry marks the latest addition to Brunei’s dynamic upstream sector, following recent developments such as Hibiscus EP (Brunei) BV’s acquisition of interest in another offshore block.
These initiatives are part of Brunei Darussalam’s broader strategy to reinforce its position in the global energy landscape and ensure the long-term sustainability of its oil and gas industry. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
