SIBU – Sarawak’s shipbuilding sector has marked another significant achievement with the commissioning of nine new vessels by Winning International Group, a multinational maritime enterprise headquartered in Singapore. The delivery, valued at SGD 23 million, highlights the state’s growing reputation in the global shipbuilding market.
The newly completed vessels, comprising tugboats and harbour tugs, will be deployed to support offshore logistics and transshipment operations at the Port of Guinea in West Africa. This expansion forms part of Winning Group’s broader overseas port operations’ strategy.
Since 2014, Winning Group has cultivated strong ties with shipyards in Sibu, initially acquiring existing tugboats before moving into newbuilding contracts from 2016. Over the past decade, more than 40 vessels of varying types have been constructed in Sibu for the Group, reflecting a long-term partnership built on trust and consistent delivery.
Sun Zhijun, Senior Vice President of Winning Group, praised the adaptability and efficiency of Sibu’s shipyards
“The vessels built in Sibu are reliable in structure, easy to operate, and convenient to maintain. The local shipyards are also flexible in adjusting designs and specifications according to customer requirements, providing excellent value-added services. The construction period is well managed, and the overall cost performance is highly competitive,” he said.
He added that standardising vessel construction in Sibu has improved operational efficiency for the Group while showcasing the professionalism and stability of Sarawak’s shipbuilding industry in the international market.
All nine vessels meet the latest requirements of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), including approval from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) and the China Classification Society (CCS). The construction process was fully supervised by classification societies, ensuring compliance with international safety and quality standards.
The vessels’ main engines adhere to Tier II environmental emission standards, aligning with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations. This achievement underscores Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable shipbuilding and its leadership in adopting green technologies.
The growing profile of Sarawak’s shipbuilding industry will be further highlighted at the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026 exhibition in Singapore, scheduled for 25–27 March.
Supported by the Sarawak Ministry for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and the Sarawak Trade & Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), the showcase aims to strengthen Sarawak’s regional presence and promote its world-class shipbuilding capabilities to a global audience.
Industry observers note that Sarawak’s consistent delivery of high-quality vessels positions it as a competitive player in the international maritime sector, with Sibu emerging as a trusted hub for shipbuilding excellence.
