Sabah Ports and ASB in strategic partnership

The strategic partnership between Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) and Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB) is set to create advanced services and facilities for oil and gas, marine, logistics and port-related segments within the State.

The cooperation was forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties to form a strategic alliance that seeks to explore and develop marine and oil and gas (O&G) opportunities in Sabah.

SPSB Managing Director Ng Kiat Min said both sides have confirmed to develop an integrated offshore marine base at Sepangar Bay as its first project under the collaboration, and later will explore development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) potentials.

“Under the partnership, the Sepangar area will be fitted with a modern marine and O&G service and supply centre and shall be utilised as ASB’s focal hub for the State’s west coast area which will enable greater logistics efficiency and scale for ASB’s Kota Kinabalu-based O&G clientele,” she said at the MoU signing ceremony, here, Friday.

“The creation of a logistics and supply chain cohesion in Sepangar will further support ASB’s pipeline developments namely the halal park project in Labuan.”

She added, the multiple growth strategies that specifically focus on developing Sepangar’s marine and O&G strength will position Sepangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) as a key trade gateway complete with an integrated hub for maritime services.

“Sepangar Bay provides the strategic thrust for ASB to broaden its base by leveraging on vessels that ply the west coast sea lanes and similarly, the collaboration provides SPSB the opportunity to explore and diversify its business plan,” she said.

ASB chief executive officer Datuk Harris Annuar Tan said, that being one of the State’s government-linked company which is expert in the O&G industry, they fully understand the importance and benefits of such smart collaboration.

“Today’s MoU signing is timely as it forms a strategic alliance between the two State GLCs that holds expertise in the port, maritime, and O&G operation.

“The growth prospects of the O&G industry, especially in Sabah can be viewed as bright, driven by new explorations and developments with enhanced O&G recovery technology.”

ASB currently operates a 345-acre integrated logistics hub in Labuan.
The partnership also augurs well with SBCP’s future plans as a regional hub for containerised cargo for the BIMP-EAGA and northeast Asia markets.

Signing the MoU on behalf of ASB was Harris while Ng represented SPSB, and witnessed by ASB Chairman Senator Datuk Donald Peter Mountin and Suria Capital Holdings Berhad cum SPSB board member Datuk KY Mustafa.
Source: Daily Express