In recent years, the demand for refined petroleum products is ever increasing, resulting in major expansion of the downstream industries globally. In light of that, Brunei Darussalam has embarked on a large-scale investment of downstream projects, creating opportunities for export markets and domestic industries. One of the country's mega downstream projects, currently under construction is the ammonia and urea plant operated by Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd (BFI). The construction of BFI's state-of-the-art plant on a 55-hectare site in Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) began in May 2018 and is scheduled for first urea production by Q2 2021 as highlighted in His Majesty's Titah in conjunction with His Majesty's 74th birthday celebration. The BFI plant is majority-owned by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The BFI plant is one of the two large downstream oil and gas projects in Brunei alongside PMB Refinery and Petrochemical Plant at Pulau Muara Besar. Once completed, BFI plant will be amongst the largest fertilizer plants in Southeast Asia. The plant consists of three parts: Offsite & Utilities, Ammonia and Urea plants. It is able to produce 2,200 metric tons of ammonia and 3,900 metric tons of urea per day, making it the world's largest single train ever constructed. It will be exported to the agriculture industry in the region.
The Ministry of Energy is responsible in facilitating the BFI project and is committed to ensure the sector's contribution to local employment opportunities while enhancing the strategic economic benefits to the country. In 2018, the Ministry has issued the Bruneianisation directives as part of its strategic plan to ensure that Bruneians are leading and driving the oil and gas industry. The aspiration of the directive is to achieve a minimum of 90% Bruneianisation at all levels and skill-pools in each company in the oil and gas industry. In line with this directive, BFI is committed to offer individuals a solid platform to learn from international experts in efforts to further enhance their knowledge and skills in the global markets.
As a part of BFI's commitment in developing local talents, 161 trainees had undergone various training programs under BFI's operation and maintenance training programme at Insitut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) in Terengganu, Malaysia, ASEAN Bintulu Fertilizer in Bintulu; Petronas Chemical Fertilizers in Kedah and Gas Processing Plant Utilities in Kertih. These trainees are being assigned at the BFI plant for hands-on training in different disciplines comprising of operations, maintenance, safety and laboratory to complete their 12 months training program. The trainees are being mentored and trained by respective BFI industry experts to inculcate their know-how on the technical aspects of the plant such as process, functions and its equipment. The trainees will be offered full-time employment with BFI upon the completion of the training programme. In supporting the country's local talent in technical and non-technical fields, BFI has also recruited 16 i-Ready trainees in 2018 and 2019 who are now full-time employees at BFI.
As of August 2020, BFI's current workforce stands at a total of 357, consisting of experienced professionals from the industry and trainees. BFI is targeting a total of 500 direct employment opportunities during its 1st year of operation, of which 70% of the workforce will be locals. The BFI project will also present opportunities for local contractors and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the provision of support services in the area of construction, maintenance, transport, logistics, catering and accommodation.
3D Render of BFI's Plant
BFI Employees on Site
BFI Employees on Site
