BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN—Brunei has bolstered its offshore operational fleet by acquiring a new generation Fast Crew Boat (FCB) designed for enhanced speed and safety, manufactured by Singapore's Strategic Marine. The vessel, named Amarco S1, marks a significant upgrade in the technology available for supporting the country's oil and gas industries.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the FCB Amarco S1, developed by Strategic Marine, has been delivered to Brunei’s offshore operator Amarco Sdn Bhd. The vessel is notable for its cutting-edge engines and inclusion of an external firefighting system alongside an oil dispersant system, aligning with the latest in marine safety and environmental standards. The new FCB is capable of reaching speeds exceeding 28.5 knots, indicating a robust performance spectrum for offshore duties.

Chan Eng Yew, chief executive officer of Strategic Marine, expressed his company’s pride in contributing to Brunei’s offshore capabilities, stating, “We are delighted and honored to be selected for this prestigious project with Amarco Sdn Bhd, which will serve the demanding Bruneian offshore oil and gas sector." Brunei, recognized as a significant oil and gas producer within Southeast Asia, saw its gross domestic product expand by 6 percent in the second quarter of 2024, with the oil and gas sector itself growing by 7.7 percent, underscoring the country’s economic reliance on this sector.