Asian Supply Base Crew Change Facility To Boost Labuan’s Offshore Operations

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The Asian Supply Base (ASB) has officially launched a new Crew Change Facility designed to streamline the signing-on and signing-off for the oil and gas (O&G) crews, marking a significant advancement in offshore operations in Malaysia.

The facility was jointly inaugurated by Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman and Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Mohd Sukuran Taib.

Suhaili who is also Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd chairman emphasised ASB’s important pivotal role as a reliable supply base for the O&G sector, particularly in Sabah waters.

“ASB is investing RM25 million into the development of this standalone facility, which is set to be completed by November 2025. 

“Following a gazettement by the Home Minister on Dec 16, 2024, ASB has been officially recognised as an authorised landing place and point of entry for work pass holders in the O&G industry, as issued by the Sabah Immigration director,” he told Bernama after the launch of the facility at the site today.

This facility marks a major step in simplifying the crew change process for offshore operations, enabling ASB to serve as a designated immigration point, he added. 

Suhaili said the Temporary Terminal Crew Change at ASB is now equipped with immigration services, which was made possible through the support from the Sabah and Labuan Immigration Department, ensuring smooth and regulated crew movements.

He noted that the development is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Labuan, stimulating local businesses, creating job opportunities, and attracting further investments from global and regional energy players. 

Suhaili added that the facility will reinforce Labuan's status as a vital offshore logistics hub.

"The opening of the Crew Change Facility underscores our commitment to providing world-class logistics solutions while driving economic growth in Labuan. We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders like Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and other Petroleum Arrangement Contracts in this endeavour,” he said.

Suhaili said that the ASB Crew Change Facility is set to enhance Malaysia’s offshore operations, streamline logistics and generate positive economic impacts for the local community.

-- BERNAMA