BSP, MPABD, and Shell Conclude Tier-3 Oil Spill Exercise Simulation in Brunei Darussalam

APAC Regional Tier 3 Exercise 2025 highlights Brunei’s collaboration and preparedness in managing potential crisis situations

In a joint effort to safeguard and improve Brunei Darussalam’s preparedness, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) together with the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) and agencies under the Brunei Darussalam National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP) held a three-day tabletop exercise from 23rd to 25th September 2025. 

The exercise brought together more than 270 specialists from over 30 local and international agencies to align and underscore the importance of crisis preparedness and capabilities in Brunei Darussalam and its collaboration with neighbouring countries and response agencies. The event also sought to test recovery coordination.

The exercise were also supported by Shell’s Oil Spill Expertise Centre (OSEC), Shell Global Response Support Network (GRSN), related entities, and professional emergency service providers and contractors.

Yang Mulia Johan Atema, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd commented, “Safety is our number one priority. However, as a responsible oil and gas operator, we also need to make sure that we are prepared and trained for any emergencies that might significantly impact our nation including the population. This is taking a whole-of-nation approach to make sure that in any serious event we have the capabilities to deal with it and minimize the impact. Exercising this with simulations and making sure that we can all work together seamlessly when needed is absolutely vital." 

He continued, “The best way to prepare for crisis is when there is none and you can dry run and learn. We then exercise and prepare for a major and unwanted event and then evaluate our ability to respond. This ability is not something you can learn easily - rather you sharpen it by training and practicing together with all parties involved in a real crisis. I am grateful that we have had this opportunity and with the tremendous cooperation and support of all the government agencies and that we can work together to the unified goal of keeping Brunei safe and clean.”

Yang Mulia Captain (Rtd) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman, MPABD Chief Executive cum NOSCOP Chairman also echoed the sentiment, “Alhamdulillah today we have the opportunity to test our capacity and capabilities between government agencies and private sector companies on how efficient we can navigate through a crisis together.

“The exercise was not simply to test our plans and procedures – but to also demonstrate our collective dedication to safeguard Brunei’s precious maritime life and to do this while working as one – demonstrating the continuity of our operational readiness, unity of intent and with clarity of purpose.”