Brunei Gas Carriers

Brunei Darussalam has a rich maritime heritage, with shipping playing an important role in supporting the country’s trade and economy. In Brunei’s more modern history, Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn. Bhd. and beforehand Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn. Bhd. serves an important role to transport the country’s LNG resource to her international customers.

The history of Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn. Bhd. started with the first delivery of LNG to Japan which began with the S.S. Gadinia in 1972. This vessel was later joined by 6 other vessels, all of which would be owned by Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd. These steamship vessels each with an average cargo capacity of 75,000m³ were named after local fish and shellfish, i.e., Bebatik (previously known as the Gadinia), Bekalang, Bekulan, Belais, Belanak, Bilis and Bubuk or collectively called the B-Class vessels.

In 2002, BGC emerged as a second charterer for BLNG with its vessel, the Abadi. In 2012, BGC’s two newbuilt vessels, the M.V. Arkat and M.V. Amali joined the Fleet and collectively these vessels are known as the A-Class vessels. In 2014, M.V. Amani joined the BGC A-Class Fleet followed by M.V. Amadi the following year. The A-Class Fleet ranges from 137,000 m3 to 154,800 m3 in capacity, which at double the size of the B-class vessels, enable increased efficiencies in delivering cargoes.

With the evolving business environment and recognition that Carbon management is essential to counter the climate change implications of the world’s increasing energy use. BGC acknowledges that she can play a part and will continue to look for ways to reduce its own operational impact through the adoption of more energy efficient practices and technologies. This also factors into her future fleet strategy.

BGC prides itself as a Bruneian company, being 80 percent owned by the Brunei Government, with Shell and Mitsubishi Corporation each holding a 10 percent share. Under BGC’s Bruneianisation Programme, the company has seen success in the development of local talent, producing its first Captain and two Chief Engineers in 2013, a testament to its strong training and competency building programmes. In 2019, BGC became the first Bruneian deepwater fully-fledged ship manager, receiving the Document of Compliance from the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), as recognition for officially operating and managing the A-Class vessels exclusively under BGC’s safety management system.