Jump to content

Brunei Methanol Company

Add links
Coordinates: 4°40′20″N 114°28′23″E / 4.6721369°N 114.4730090°E / 4.6721369; 114.4730090
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brunei Methanol Company
Company typeLLC
IndustryEnergy
Founded13 March 2006; 18 years ago (2006-03-13)
Headquarters4°40′20″N 114°28′23″E / 4.6721369°N 114.4730090°E / 4.6721369; 114.4730090,
Sungai Liang, Belait
,
Brunei
Key people
Jesús Enrique Mora Marín
(CEO)
ProductsMethanol
OwnerMitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (50%)
Itochu Corporation (25%)
Mirkhas Sdn Bhd (25%)
Websitebrunei-methanol.com

Brunei Methanol Company (BMC) is a national pioneer petrochemical facility situated at the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) in Sungai Liang, Brunei[1] jointly owned by Japan's Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc. (50%), Japanese trading house ITOCHU Corporation (25%) and Mirkhas Sdn Bhd (25%), a company incorporated under the purview of the Strategic Development Capital Fund, a trust sub-fund of the Government of Brunei Darussalam. [2]

BMC’s plant has a daily production capacity to produce up to 2,500 metric tonnes or 850,000 tonnes of Grade AA methanol per year, which is converted from natural gas[3] supplied by Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd. [4] This project aligns with the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, aiming to diversify Brunei Darussalam’s economy and add value to the Oil and Gas sector by strengthening the downstream economy, reducing dependence on the oil and gas industry and ensuring the economy is sustainable for the future generations.[5][6]

History[edit]

A Joint Venture (JV) Agreement was signed between the Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Mirkhas Sdn Bhd (formerly known as PB Petrochemical Company Sdn Bhd) and Itochu Corporation on 21 November 2005.[7] The Company was incorporated as a private limited company on 13 March 2006.[8]

The construction of the Company’s methanol manufacturing plant was financed under Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), with participation from several other commercial bank lenders on 5 May 2007.[9] This marks the first international project financing loan that JBIC has provided for a downstream project in Brunei Darussalam. [10] BMC completed the full repayment of its project financing loan on 14 December 2022,[11] paving the way for the Company to embark on new project endeavors.

Groundbreaking for the methanol plant project began on 30 November 2007, signifying the start of plant construction. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd was responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the methanol plant.[12]

The foundation laying ceremony was officiated by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah on 11 February 2008.[13] Construction works of the methanol plant was completed in 2009,[14] a landmark step towards enhancing Brunei’s social and economic landscape while also creating employment opportunities.

The USD600 million 16-hectare plant was officially inaugurated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 25 May 2010.[15]

Natural Gas Supply and Commercial Operations[edit]

BMC currently obtains its natural gas supply from Brunei Shell Petroleum Sendirian Berhad for its methanol production, in a 21-year gas sales agreement. [16]

The first drop of methanol was witnessed on 27 April 2010, marking the start of Brunei Darussalam’s utilisation of its own natural resources to produce value-added products.[17]

Products and Supply Destinations[edit]

Methanol has a huge demand in Asia, and the location in Brunei Darussalam gives the methanol plant the strategic advantage to supply methanol in the Asian market.[18] The grade AA methanol produced by BMC is mainly supplied to markets in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia which includes China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and recently, Brunei Darussalam. [19]

Key Uses of Methanol[edit]

The Grade AA methanol is a key product for the chemical and petrochemical industry in the production of Acetic Acid (solvents), MTBE (octane enhancer), Formaldehyde (resins, adhesives) and others. [20]

Methanol Export Facilities (Offshore)[edit]

BMC’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility serves as a pivotal hub for exporting methanol, ensuring seamless cargo transfer operations. Darussalam Enterprise (upon novation from the Brunei Economic Development Board) provides the methanol export facilities under a 22-year commercial Lease Agreement. [21]

The first international shipment of methanol was to Korea on 12 May 2010, via BMC’s methanol export facilities (offshore) marking Brunei Darussalam’s historic entry into the international markets for methanol exports. [22]

Domestic Loading Facilities (Onshore)[edit]

On 29 November 2023, BMC launched its Domestic Loading Facility (Onshore), a facility established to provide methanol accessibility within Brunei Darussalam’s local market. [23] Following the launch, BMC completed its first onshore product methanol loading, representing the first sale of methanol within Brunei’s domestic market. [24]

This recent development in methanol supply is a key aspect of the cooperation agreement with the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) for BMC to support national downstream businesses as part of the diversification efforts. [25]

Safety Culture[edit]

On 25 June 2023, BMC surpassed nine million manhours without lost time injury (LTI) which underscores BMC’s dedication to regulatory compliance and strict adherence to the best safety practices, aimed at fostering a zero-incident workplace.[26]

BMC chaired the Lumut Liang Industrial Area-Integrated Emergency Response Committee (LLIA-IERC) from 2018 to 2023, and during the tenure of its chairmanship, BMC tested its emergency response readiness in collaboration with stakeholders and agencies to assess its readiness for any potential incidents or emergency situations.[27] BMC’s safety risk assessment goal is to protect the safety of its people, the environment, assets, and the reputation of the Company (PEAR). [28]

BMC has also been successfully renewing its Safety Case, as required by the Brunei’s legislation Workplace Safety and Health Order, 2009, since the first time it was approved by the Brunei Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA).

Bruneianization Directive[edit]

In June 2018, the new Bruneianisation Directive introduced by the then Brunei’s Ministry of Energy (now Department of Energy) required the oil and gas operators in Brunei to gradually achieve 90% Bruneians at all levels and skillpools.[29] To date, the local workforce of the Company stands at 89%.

Corporate Social Responsibility[edit]

BMC is renowned for its steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community engagement in line with their CSR strategy #RESPECT [30] which guides the Company’s efforts towards meaningful and impactful contributions to the country.

BMC’s recent key CSR are as follows:

Year CSR Project
2024
  • Imagine Football Fiesta 2024 sponsorship.[31]
  • Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Shell Eco Marathon (SEM) Asia 2024 competition sponsorship.[32]
  • Annual Assist and Care drive 2024.[33]
2023
  • Partnership with Brunei Economy Programme.[34]
  • Cancer Foundation charity run sponsorship. [35]
  • Tree planting initiatives.[36]
  • Annual internal blood donation drive.[37]
  • Breaking of fast event with underprivileged families.[38]
  • COVID-19 ART self-test kit donations.[39]
2022
  • Annual internal blood donation drive[40] and for the public.[41]
  • Annual Assist and Care drive 2022.[42]
  • Community-driven projects such as supporting UBD students’ mental health awareness project[43] and Local Product Expo.[44]
2021
  • Sponsorship initiatives during COVID-19:
    1. Laptops to the Ministry of Education in support of online learning initiatives.[45]
    2. Packed meals to medical frontliners.[46]
    3. Essential medical PPE supplies to the Ministry of Health.[47]
    4. Food-ration supplies to the Ministry of Health. [48]
  • Desktop computer donations to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Belait District.[49]
2020
  • Sponsorship of laptops to support online learning initiatives admist COVID-19.[50]

References[edit]

  1. ^ The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2008. Oxford Business Group. 2007. p. 112. ISBN 978-1-902339-07-8.
  2. ^ "Brunei Methanol Company - Our Shareholders". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  3. ^ The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2010. Oxford Business Group. 2010. p. 88. ISBN 978-1-907065-29-3.
  4. ^ "Brunei Darussalam Methanol Plant Starts Operations". ITOCHU Corporation. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  5. ^ "A Dynamic and Sustainable Economy". Wawasan Brunei 2035. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  6. ^ The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2010. Oxford Business Group. 2010. p. 88. ISBN 978-1-907065-29-3.
  7. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Brunei methanol project loan agreed". gtreview.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  12. ^ Brunei Business and Investment Opportunities Yearbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Opportunities. Lulu.com. 2016. p. 138. ISBN 1-4387-0627-8.
  13. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  14. ^ The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2010. Oxford Business Group. 2010. p. 88. ISBN 978-1-907065-29-3.
  15. ^ "Department of Information" (PDF). Brunei Darussalam Newsletter. Vol. 25, no. 5. 2010. p. 1.
  16. ^ "Department of Information" (PDF). Brunei Darussalam Newsletter. Vol. 25, no. 5. 2010. p. 1.
  17. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  18. ^ "Brunei Darussalam Methanol Plant Starts Operation". itochu.co.jp. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  19. ^ "Our Delivery Facilities". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  20. ^ UBD, Innovation and Enterprise. "Site visit and potential research collaboration meeting at Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd (BMC)". innovation.ubd.edu.bn. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  21. ^ "Methanol Export Facility (Offshore)". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  22. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  23. ^ "Company strives for excellence in oil and gas sector". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  24. ^ "Journey of Brunei Methanol Company". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  25. ^ The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2008. Oxford Business Group. 2008. p. 112. ISBN 978-1902-33907-8.
  26. ^ "Company achieves nine million man-hours without lost time injury". Borneo Bulletin. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
  27. ^ "Safety first for Belait company". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  28. ^ "BMC Media - Major desktop drill exercise test readiness". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  29. ^ "Directive on Bruneianisation in the Oil and Gas Industry (No.1/2018)" (PDF).
  30. ^ "Social responsibility in full display". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  31. ^ "Football fiesta receives boost with signing ceremony". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  32. ^ "BMC Media - BMC sponsors UBDSEM for Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2024 Competition". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Social responsibility in full display". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  34. ^ "BMC Media - BMC partners with Brunei Economy Programme 2023". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  35. ^ "Sponsors sign on for charity run supporting children with cancer". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  36. ^ "Over 100 trees planted in support of climate goals". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  37. ^ "Blood donation campaign collects 39 pints". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  38. ^ "BMC Media - BMC host breaking-of-fast event". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  39. ^ "BMC Media - BMC donates COVID-19 ART self-test kits to Sungai Liang Health Centre". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  40. ^ "BMC Media - Blood Donation Drive 2022". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Call to donate more blood". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  42. ^ "BMC Media - BMC Assist and Care Programme 2022". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  43. ^ "Mental health video contest winners announced". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  44. ^ "Made in Brunei". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  45. ^ "BMC Media - Sponsorship of 50 laptops (device donation campaign) to Ministry of Education". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  46. ^ "BMC Media - Sponsorship of packed meals to medical frontliners". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  47. ^ "BMC Media - Donation of essential medical ppe supplies". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  48. ^ "BMC Media - Donation of food-ration supplies". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  49. ^ "BMC Media - 40 units of desktop computers donation". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  50. ^ "BMC Media - BMC donates 54 laptops to support online learning initiative". brunei-methanol.com. Retrieved 20 May 2024.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brunei_Methanol_Company&oldid=1228396564"