Latest news with #IEW
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Nam Cheong unveils Malaysia's first purpose-built multi-purpose support vessel at IEW 2025
Abang Johari (right) with Leong during the showcase of SKG 520 at IEW 2025 held here recently. KUCHING (July 28): Nam Cheong Group, Malaysia's largest offshore support vessel (OSV) builder and a leading integrated marine solutions provider, has unveiled the SKG 520, the country's first purpose-built multi-purpose support vessel (MPSV) owned by a Malaysian and Sarawakian company. The SKG 520 was showcased at the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 held here recently and has attracted strong interest from key government leaders and industry players. The group in a statement said the SKG 520 is designed to serve both traditional oil and gas as well as the fast-growing renewable energy sectors. It features five modular configurations tailored for specific offshore operations, offering versatility. These include a geotechnical drilling rig for seabed surveys, a remote-operated vehicle system for underwater inspections, an air diving module for subsea work, a survey suite equipped with streamers and sonars, and a walk-to-work gangway for safe personnel transfer to offshore platforms. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg toured the SKG 520 exhibit at IEW, joined by Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni. The group added that its innovation stems from its success in retrofitting vessels for emerging energy markets. The SKG 520 concept draws from the SK Eonik, which was upgraded for offshore wind support and is now on a 2+2 year charter in Japan. This track record highlights Nam Cheong's global reach and adaptability. Group CEO Leong Seng Keat said the vessel reflects Nam Cheong's drive for engineering excellence and future-ready solutions. 'The SKG 520 is a testament to Nam Cheong Group's unwavering commitment to engineering excellence and our proactive approach in addressing the evolving demands of the global energy landscape. 'As Sarawak positions itself as a leader in the green hydrogen economy and offshore renewables, the SKG 520 stands ready as a versatile, purpose-built asset, proudly owned by a Malaysian and Sarawakian company, to support these critical developments both locally and internationally,' he said. Founder Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Su Kouk added that the vessel represents decades of shipbuilding progress rooted in Sarawak. 'The SKG 520 embodies our legacy of innovation and adaptability, showcasing the advanced capabilities of our Miri Dockyard and our skilled workforce. 'This vessel is not just a new build; it is a symbol of our dedication to providing integrated marine solutions that are truly future-ready,' he added. The SKG 520 will undergo its formal naming ceremony in August. MPSV nam cheong offshore support vessel OSV
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
High CO2 levels no deterrent for Sarawak
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: L/R: Arabi, Hanh Le, Diofanny and Fairuz. KUCHING: Half of Sarawak's natural gas reserves contain high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), making them difficult to extract and use, but technology is turning this into a multi-billion-ringgit opportunity. 'For Sarawak, the importance of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies is profound,' said Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) Resource Management Senior Vice President Datuk Abang Arabi Abang Narudin. 'It is about robust economic growth, securing high value jobs, diversifying our economy, ensuring energy security and cementing our position as forward-thinking players in this global energy transition,' he said at the recent International Energy Week Summit (IEW) 2025's Panel Discussion where industry experts challenged skepticism about CCUS technology's effectiveness and viability. The summit, hosted by the Sarawak Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and organised by Informa Markets, a world leading market-making company, brought together regional experts to discuss how CCUS technologies can transform the oil and gas sector towards sustainability. Daily Express was among those invited for the event held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, here. What exactly is CCUS? CCUS is a technology that captures CO2 from industrial processes before it enters the atmosphere, then either uses it for other purposes or stores it safely underground. For Sarawak, this technology holds promise. 'We are blessed with many natural resources, we sit on top of 65 per cent of the geological formation that is ideal and best for the CCUS,' said Abang Arabi. 'If you look at our natural gas resources, we have vast natural gas resources, but 50 per cent of our remaining resources are contaminated gas with high CO2. 'Hence, CCUS is important for us to unlock the value from these resources,' he said, adding that Sarawak wants to harness that and position itself as a leading player in the region for CCUS. He said technology optimisation, financing, policy certainty and infrastructure development are four key factors needed for CCUS' success. 'We are looking at using CO2 in combination with hydrogen, for example, create e-methanol, e-methane,' he said, pointing out how Sarawak is exploring innovative applications. 'When hydrogen becomes cheaper and cheaper to produce, it makes sense for us to go for synthetic gas or synthetic fuel through CO2,' he said. Sarawak is also looking at proprietary technology that combines CO2 with gas to produce hydrogen and chemical feedstock. 'It is a technology called HYCO1. This is something that we are exploring. It is in its early days. I think they are ready for a pilot in the near future,' he added. Additionally, Sarawak is developing two CCUS hub to create shared infrastructure and achieve economies of scale. 'The whole intent and purpose is to have a common shared infrastructure for us to have economy of scale and make CCUS more affordable,' he said. When asked about environmental risks from storing CO2 underground, Abang Arabi, who is a geophysicist by training said, 'If you look at our reservoirs, the oil and gas has been deposited there for millions of years without leakage. It needs us to poke a hole and drill to bring it out.' One common criticism of the CCUS technology is that it is expensive and complex while offering limited environmental benefits. The panel disagreed with this assessment. Asia Natural Gas and Energy Association (ANGEA) Singapore Senior Advisor Hanh Le said CCUS is a technology that provides large scale decarbonisation. 'It is probably the highest scale of mitigation options that are available to us right now,' she said, adding that public acceptance and policy harmonisation are important in the CCUS. 'If you want to build a regional CCUS hubs and CCUS as a regional business model, we need that policy certainty related to liability, how you manage the liabilities not just operational liabilities, but also from emission accounting liability as well,' she said. 'ANGEA has implemented many carbon, capture and storage (CCS) projects in the world, notably Gorgon in Australia, Chevron. Risk is low and environmental assessment has been done,' she said. She said Singapore is also expanding its CCUS footprint with three flagship projects spanning from western to eastern Indonesia and awarding new license areas for carbon injection working areas. 'Lack of public acceptance often come from misunderstanding. When people understand, they will be a lot more willing to accept,' said Hanh Le pointing out that education is key. Meanwhile, Indonesia Carbon Capture and Storage Centre (ICCSC) Strategic Initiative Director Diofanny Swandrina Putri said CCUS has numerous benefits that are more than just environmental impact. 'When you do something, you gain something, right? Even though we know it is expensive and difficult, but if you are looking towards the advantage that we can gain in terms of economic growth, value chain, job creation and green future, I think it is worth a try,' she said. She said for Indonesia, the CCS could support up to 70 per cent of the country's decarbonisation efforts, a notably higher contribution than the global average of 11 per cent. 'We also partner with the World Bank, International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank who have this urgency to fund CCS projects,' she said, pointing out strong international funding appetite for CCS projects. 'There are a lot of technology providers coming to the ICCSC offering huge potential of the carbon capture technology. They say they can reduce the cost until 70 per cent, going from $100 per ton to $30 per ton,' she said. One of the most intriguing aspects of CCUS is the potential to turn Co2 from waste product into something valuable. 'First, as an asset that is traded, carbon credits. Second is carbon as feedstock, like carbon utilisation. Third is carbon as a circular economy,' Diofanny said, outlining three ways this could happen. 'Research from Oxford University shows that when CO2 is injected more than two kilometers underground according to international standards, the risk of leakage over 100 years is only 0.02 per cent,' she added. She acknowledged that public acceptance remains a challenge. Indonesia's approach involves engaging young people early. 'We are trying to involve youths and the ICCSC is launching the first CCS student chapter in the world. 'They are the ones who is going to do this for the next 20 years, 30 years and we need them to get onboard with us,' she said. Indonesia is also working on regulatory frameworks and international cooperation. 'We want to launch business license for the CCUS, because if you want to do business in Indonesia, you need to get the business license. 'We are also working towards government-to-government (G2G) agreements together with Singapore. We signed the MOU for the CCUS cross-border last June,' she said. Contrary to popular belief, the CCUS technology is not waiting for some breakthrough innovation. 'The CCUS technology has existed for many years,' said Aker Solutions Consultancy Director Ahmad Fairuz Mohd Amin. 'CCUS is like flossing your teeth. If you do not do it, then you realise one day there is a cavity in your tooth and then you start hurting yourself. It is something that is inevitable. You just need to do it,' he said, adding that Aker Solutions has been involved in CCUS projects since the 1990s. 'It is really about continuous optimisation, lowering the cost to make it more affordable,' he said. He said Aker Solutions is also involved in the world's first CO2 injection in Sleipner and more recent projects in Norway. The company has also worked on the Longship CCUS programme, which includes the Northern Lights project and the Brevik CO2 cement plant, the first capture facility of its kind in the world. 'The Brevik has captured around 400,000 metric tons of CO2 last month, being transferred into Northern Lights,' Ahmad Fairuz said. 'We have gone through all the bruises, blood and tears trying to execute CCUS. It is no easy task. What I mean is, financially we got hurt,' he said. However, he pointed out that costs will decrease as the technology becomes more standardised. 'Look at solar in 2005, and today, you see the cost going down. Thus, I think we must start and then it will go to that path of cost reduction,' he said. Moving forward, he said they recently signed with some partners on a technology called Zero Emission Unconventional Power System (Zeus) which uses oxy-combustion technology. 'Oxy-combustion is not new. It has been there for ages but we want to make it small footprint, lightweight. 'We are trying to bring power plant directly offshore, avoid having pipelines or gas processing plants. The system uses rocket engine technology adapted for energy production. 'We went to the US, brought a rocket engine and put it inside the system. The first pilot plant will be in Malaysia,' he said without disclosing its exact location except that it requires hundreds of millions of ringgits. Interestingly, the Zeus system can handle extremely high CO2 content. 'The Zeus system can take on 90 per cent CO2 as a system. Why? Because they use the same CO2 to cool up the system and enhance gas recovery,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Asean has differing net zero objectives
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: According to Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, although Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia and Vietnam have their Net Zero target by 2050, the Philippines has no specific Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality target. KUCHING: Asean Centre for Energy – Head of Energy Modelling and Policy Planning Department, Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi said the 10 Asean countries have different Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality goals at the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on July 15-17, 2025 dubbed 'Borneo's Biggest International Energy Expo & Summit'. Asean, as one of the region's most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is actively working to contribute to global commitments which are required to develop and implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As Malaysia is the Asean chair this year, can Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim convince all the ten countries to make uniform their Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality goals. According to Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, although Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia and Vietnam have their Net Zero target by 2050, the Philippines has no specific Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality target. Meanwhile, Indonesia has its Net Zero target by 2060 or sooner, Thailand has set its Carbon neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero target by 2065. Lao PDR has set its Net Zero target by 2050 conditionally, and Myanmar has determined its Net Zero target only from forestry and other land use by 2040. The data indicates that 77 per cent of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in Asean are primarily generated from the energy, industrial processes, and land use, including land-use change and forestry. With the energy sector being the target contributor to CO2 emissions. The energy and climate sectors are inextricably linked and mutually dependent and integrating this energy-climate nexus is vital for enhancing long-term energy security, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. Asean's pursuit of Net Zero is a crucial effort that will shape the region's future. In the short term, progress is likely to come from energy efficiency improvements, the adoption of renewable technologies, increased use of biofuels, methane abatement, and transitioning from more polluting fossil fuels to natural gas. 'When anything changes the amount of carbon in one reservoir, the effect ripples through the others.' Looking ahead, Asean has significant opportunities in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), further expansion of renewable energy, and deeper integration of biofuels. These strategies will be essential to achieving the net-zero goals of Asean countries. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Strong Sabah presence at event
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: A view of an IEW 2025 session at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). KUCHING: The International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on July 15-17. Dubbed 'Borneo's Biggest International Energy Expo & Summit', it saw the participation of some 6,500 attendees from 25 countries and 400 companies from 30 countries. There were 50 speakers and 435 delegates who participated in 20 curated sessions focused on sustainability and energy transition. Among the Sabahans participating at the event include Tseu Kei Yue, the Director of the Sabah Department of Industrial Development & Research under the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship of Sabah, Energy Commission of Sabah Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Planning & Economic Regulation, Ir. Chu Wai Quan, besides others. Chu was a panel speaker in one of the Summit sessions. Daily Express sent four staff to cover the event. A Sabahan from Tawau, Kenneth Yong, the Senior Sales Director for Measat Satellite System Sdn Bhd, was one of the exhibitors at the event who recognised the Daily Express brand value and spoke eagerly with its staff. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the opening ceremony on July 15. His message was that the world is watching and Sarawak is ready to lead to redefine the future of energy and make a lasting impact on global sustainability. He said: 'IEW 2025 marks a key milestone in Sarawak's clean energy journey. As one of Asean's lowest carbon emitters in the power sector, we are accelerating efforts in hydropower, green hydrogen, solar energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). 'These initiatives align with our vision to position Sarawak as a leading clean energy hub, powering economic growth, bolstering regional energy security, and supporting our neighbours in their sustainability ambitions.' IEW Organising Committee Chairman Datuk Dr Hazland bin Abg Hipni said, 'We are building a resilient, low-carbon economy through renewable power, green industries, and responsible resource management.' Dr Hazland who is Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability said IEW 2025 is Sarawak's premier platform for energy dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, promoting sustainability, energy transition, and investment growth in Borneo and in the Asia Pacific region. 'As we drive forward our Green Energy Agenda, Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and renewable energy initiatives, Sarawak is establishing itself as a leader in energy innovation in line with Sarawak's Sustainable Vision 2030,' he said. Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, the Informa Markets Malaysia organising chairman of IEW 2025 said the event reinforced Sarawak's growing role as a regional hub for renewable energy, hydrogen and green technology. He said: 'Sarawak's clean energy transition serves as a model for others.' Meanwhile, the second Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK 2) project, costing over RM300 million, will be built and completed in March, 2028. Its site is next to the current BCCK. The BCCK 2 to be built is a strategic initiative by the Sarawak government to strengthen Kuching's role as a major hub for conventions and international events in the region. BCCK2 will be able to accommodate up to 9,500 people, when combined with the existing BCCK, will be able to host up to 15,000 visitors as a competitive world-class infrastructure, in line with Sarawak's post-2030 development direction. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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Daily Express
18-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Hydrogen-powered ART to solve Kuching's traffic woes
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 By: David Thien Text Size: A picture of a Kuching ART. KUCHING: Sarawak is capitalising on its hydrogen production economy to power its public transportation system starting from its State capital here. The Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) is to serve as the backbone of the public transport system in Greater Kuching. Advertisement Traffic congestion in Kuching during rush hours is getting worse, making it taxingly inconvenient with all the road construction to prepare the dedicated lanes for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART). ART was touted as a solution to the traffic congestion problem in Kuching. Visiting participants to the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on July 15-17, 2025 dubbed 'Borneo's Biggest International Energy Expo & Summit', found the road congestion experience taxing their patience. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
