Asian Supply Base aims to become global O&G logistics hub

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LABUAN: Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd (ASB), a Sabah government-linked company, is striving towards becoming a global oil and gas (O&G) logistics hub.

The Labuan-based fully integrated logistics hub sees itself as the natural industry leader, having attracted international O&G firms to the island, reflecting the country’s role in connecting Labuan to the global leaders in this sector.

Chief executive officer, Datuk Harris Annuar Tan, said at least 97 local and international O&G-related companies are still operating at the hub currently, a slight drop after a number of companies ceased their operations since late last year.

Among the international firms still operating at the base are Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and MMC Engineering.

“We used to have more than 107 companies operating in our base, but it’s now down to less than 100, nevertheless, our operation continues as usual, and we continue recruiting people to ensure our service is always available.

“After operating for many years and with the trust of our clients, ASB logistics hub has the largest workforce in Labuan estimated at close to 5, 000 including workers attached to foreign firms, and this indirectly helps to spur the island’s economy,” he told a press conference yesterday.

He said unlike some other O&G companies which resorted to downsizing their operations which had led to staff retrenchment amid a slump in global oil processes, ASB itself had retained its more than 1,000 employees as of today.

Harris also stressed the need for the company to be prudent in its spending especially for its operation in view of the uncertain economic situation.

He said the main challenge this year was the possibility of its clients suffering a slowdown due to the sluggish economy although ASB would not be directly affected. — Bernama