# Muara Port

The Muara Port (Malay: Pelabuhan Muara), also known as Muara Harbour, is a seaport operated by the Muara Port Company (MPC) Sdn Bhd, under the supervision of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam. The port also contributed to the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

## Geography

The port's strategic location allows access to the Oceania, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. The port lies 28 km from the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan and it was considered to be the Gateway for Trade. The Muara Naval Base lies north-east of the port, and Muara Besar Island in the west. The port also contains a free trade zone, which is known as the Muara Export Zone (MEZ).

## History

In 1973, the port was officially completed and it became the largest port in Brunei. In 1982, the port underwent a B$26.5 million expansion project. It can also be noted after 1997, the port might not have been in use due to the decline in cargo volume. The Port Authority bought two quay cranes in 1996.
In 2000, a joint venture was made with the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), and later on 23 June 2003 United States Navy warships USS Vincennes (CG-49) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) were berthed at the port during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). Once again during CARAT 2005, USS Safeguard (T-ARS-50), USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) were present at Muara Port.
In 2011, there has been regional competition between Bintulu Port and Muara Port. In 2013, three inland container depots have been upgraded, and in 2014, the Belt and Road Initiative's Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor (BGEC) was signed between Brunei and China. The Muara Port Company is a joint ventured company between Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd and Beibu Gulf Holding formed on 15 February 2017, and later on 18 July 2018 the Muara Container Terminal was acquired by the company. On 26 March 2019, Royal Navy frigate HMS Montrose (F236) arrived at the port to conduct exercises, and later from 27 until 30 September, the People's Liberation Army Navy training ship Qi Jiguang was berthed at the port during a goodwill visit.
The MPC signed an agreement with the Brunei government to build and acquire the largest fishing complex in Brunei on 22 December 2020, thus enhancing the Brunei–China relations. On 5 June 2021, the pre-commencement ceremony of the Muara Port Expansion Project was attended by the Chinese Ambassador Yu Hong, Minister of Finance and Economy and Minister of Transport and InfoCommunications. On 30 January 2021, the French Navy frigate Vendémiaire (F 734) made a three-day visit to Brunei, and later on 27 July, HMS Defender (D36) became the first Royal Navy ship to visit Brunei since 2019.
Plans were made to expand the port by 2023, in which it will increase the quay length and capacity from 280,000 TEUs to 500,000.

## Muara Port Company

The MPC was established on 21 February 2017, as a joint venture between Beibu Gulf Holding and Darussalam Assets. Its founding marked a significant milestone in Brunei's efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its logistics and manufacturing sectors. To support its clients, MPC provides a variety of logistics solutions, including warehouses, open storage areas, and cargo handling services such as loading, unloading, and vessel berthing. Additionally, the company offers maritime services like freshwater supply, mooring, and unmooring, ensuring smooth and efficient cargo operations while fostering a conducive environment for logistics.
The establishment of the MPC is a result of the strategic partnership between Brunei and the Guangxi Economic Corridor (BGEC), aligning with China's Belt and Road Initiative to boost bilateral trade and investments. This collaboration has led to several flagship projects, including the launch of bunkering services at Muara Port in October 2020, in partnership with Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM). These services facilitate efficient refuelling for cargo ships, further enhancing the port's capabilities. In addition to its core operations, MPC manages the aggregate landing site next to the container berth, which handles aggregates and has potential for future expansion. In 2020, MPC was also granted a concession by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to develop and operate the fish landing complex at Muara.
In January 2021, MPC launched its subsidiary, Muara International Fish Landing, to manage the fish landing complex. MIFL aims to create a modern, efficient facility capable of accommodating the increasing volume of fish landings and larger vessels, reinforcing Muara Port's role as a key player in the country's fisheries sector.

## Facilities

There are several designated areas and facilities within the port:
* A 72,500 m$^2$ (780,000 sq ft) container yard
* 7,050 m$^2$ (75,900 sq ft) of transit warehouses
* A 861 m (2,825 ft) long mooring quay
* A 5,000 m$^2$ (54,000 sq ft) container freight station
* 32,011 m$^2$ (344,560 sq ft) of warehouses
* 18,427 m$^2$ (198,350 sq ft) of Muara inland container depot
* 22,280 m$^2$ (239,800 sq ft) of Muara export zone