Singapore and Brunei have strengthened bilateral cooperation in the maritime and port sectors with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their maritime authorities.
The agreement was signed on September 28, 2026, by Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), and Captain (Ret.) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD). The signing took place on the sidelines of the 12th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme.
Under the MoU, the two authorities will expand cooperation and knowledge exchange across several areas of maritime operations. These include maritime digitalisation, safety, port State control inspections, incident investigation and training.
The agreement is aimed at supporting safe, clean and efficient shipping while providing a framework for both sides to share operational experience and technical expertise.
The cooperation builds on longstanding engagement between Singapore and Brunei in the maritime sector. In March 2026, an MPA delegation visited Brunei for discussions with MPABD on port development, operational efficiency, maritime digitalisation and human capital development. The delegation also visited Kuala Belait Port and Muara Port to learn about ongoing development and expansion plans.
Both countries have also been pursuing wider maritime collaboration through regional industry initiatives. During Singapore Maritime Week 2026, Brunei participated through MPABD, Muara Port Company and Muara Maritime Services, showcasing its maritime, port and digital initiatives and engaging with industry stakeholders on future cooperation.
For Brunei, closer cooperation with Singapore provides opportunities to draw on the latter’s experience in port operations, digital systems and maritime regulatory practices. Singapore, meanwhile, continues to strengthen partnerships with regional maritime administrations as the sector adapts to digitalisation, new technologies and changing shipping requirements.
The new MoU provides a formal platform for continued collaboration between the two authorities and further exchange of knowledge and expertise. It also supports efforts to enhance maritime connectivity and develop safe, efficient and future-ready port operations in the region.