| Daniel Lim |
THE sound of marine air horns reverberated across the Belait River, as Mashhor Offshore Painting Services Sdn Bhd (MOPS) celebrated another milestone with the acquisition of two new Utility Supply Vessels (USVs) during a handover ceremony at the Kuala Belait Government Wharf on Wednesday.
Guest of honour Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad was welcomed by Mashhor Group of Companies Chairman Malai Haji Abdul Hamid bin Malai Haji Mashhor.
Also present were the staff of MOPS, Mashhor General Contractor, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), as well as business partners of Mashhor Group of Companies.
The ceremony started with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a brief speech by Contract Manager and Operation Manager of MOPS Haji Rakawih bin Haji Daud.
“The two new vessels, Mashhor 1 and Mashhor 2, formerly known as Salvin Marine Vessel Jade and Opal, will take the total number of USV ships operated by MOPS to six,” Haji Rakawih said. He noted that each of the 1,200hp vessels is capable of accommodating more than 30 crew while supporting lifting operations, as well as ferry essential equipment and transport crews to and from offshore platforms.
Malai Haji Abdul Hamid in his welcoming speech said the occasion further solidifies Mashhor’s vision of becoming a leading local marine contractor in Brunei.
He stressed the importance of exceeding the standards set by BSP to strengthen the company’s relationship with the energy company, a cornerstone of Mashhor Group’s success for many years.
Souvenirs were presented to the guest of honour and representatives of Mashhor’s business partners, followed by a cake and ribbon cutting ceremony.
The guest of honour and guests were invited onboard Mashhor 2 for a tour of its various equipment (Mashhor 1 was offshore at the time). They also learnt how the two vessels function in providing supplies and equipment to personnel stationed at offshore platforms.
MOPS’ other recent milestone was the inauguration of its MYY Camellia vessel in August, which also took place at the Kuala Belait Government Wharf.
The company recently celebrated a landmark 11-year 8.4-million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI) achievement, highlighting its steadfast commitment towards onsite safety.