The official launch of the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) is set to take place in early February, marking a major milestone in Sabah’s energy development. Senior representatives from Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd, a London-based firm, and the state-owned Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC) will lead the ceremony.
The event will feature an exchange of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SOGDC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, YBhg Datuk Harun Bin Ismail JP, and Gibson Shipbrokers’ Managing Director, Roger Harrison. Also present will be Sabah’s Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor, and SOGDC’s Chairman, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan, alongside project development partners and select diplomatic representatives.
The SOGIP development, situated in Sipitang, is set to become a critical hub for energy infrastructure in the region. Key components of the project include:
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import facilities
- A gas-powered electricity plant
- Energy commodities storage facilities
This ambitious collaboration between Gibson Shipbrokers and SOGDC was initially formalised in June 2024, underscoring a shared vision to transform Sabah into a key player in the energy sector. SOGDC Chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan highlighted the project’s broader goals, stating: “This development is part of our strategy to promote sustainable growth in Sabah by attracting reputable international players and creating high-quality job opportunities.”
SOGDC’s CEO, Datuk Harun Ismail, emphasised the benefits of working with Gibson Shipbrokers’ global network: “Our collaboration will not only enhance energy accessibility for domestic and international markets but also solidify SOGIP’s position as a pivotal hub in Southeast Asia.”
The development is projected to create approximately 1,600 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. It aligns with Sabah’s broader economic development plans, supporting the energy needs of the region’s rapidly expanding economy while promoting sustainable practices.
Sabah’s Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor, is expected to highlight the park’s potential to attract further investment during the launch ceremony. The event signifies an important step towards advancing Sabah’s role in the global energy landscape.
With its focus on infrastructure development and international collaboration, the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of energy in Sabah and beyond.
