Brunei Methanol Tanker (BMT) launched its first chemical tanker at a ceremony which was held at Ningbo Dongfang’s shipyard on 20 October 2009.

The launching ceremony was attended by BMT’s shareholders, Brunei National Petroleum Company (PetroleumBRUNEI), Kokuka Sangyo (KSK) and Itochu Corporation (Itochu). Also in attendance were representatives from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical who will be chartering the tanker, upon its delivery.

The ceremony began with a speech from the Chief Director of Ningbo Dongfang Shipyard, Mr Yan Bao Xing. The reading of a doa selamat preceded a ribbon cutting ceremony by representatives from BMT and Ningbo Dongfang Shipyard. Inflated industrial tubes were used to launch the tanker safely into the water.

The ceremony continued with a luncheon where speeches were made by Hj Md Jamil Hj Md Salleh, Chairman of BMT, Mr Makoto Fujita of KSK , Mr Hiramoto of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Mr Yan from the shipyard. Mr Yan cited further collaboration between BMT and Ningbo Dongfang , while both BMT and KSK cited expectations for the final stages of ship construction leading up to delivery.

The ship will next undergo fitting-out and sea trial before its delivery to Brunei Darussalam in the first quarter of 2010.

The launching of the tanker signifies an important chapter in Brunei’s maritime history as it is the first chemical tanker to be owned and registered in Brunei Darussalam. There are plans for further development in various other aspects of the maritime business.