Sibu Sarawak, 11 December 2025- Sarawak’s shipbuilding industry continues to achieve
new milestones as Winning International Group (Winning Group), a globally renowned
maritime conglomerate, recently completed the construction and delivery of nine (9) new
vessels at a shipyard in Sibu.
This achievement further underscores Sarawak’s growing strength and potential in the
international shipbuilding arena. The project, valued at SGD 23 million, reinforces Sarawak’s
rising prominence and global competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
The nine newly delivered vessels comprise tugboats and harbour tugs, which will be deployed
for the Group’s offshore logistics and transshipment operations at the Port of Guinea, West
Africa, as part of its expanding overseas port operations.
Long-Term Partnership Reflects the Strength of Local Shipbuilding
Winning International Group, headquartered in Singapore, is a diversified multinational
enterprise engaged in ship ownership, shipping operations, offshore transshipment, ship
management, mining development, and railway construction. The Group is recognized as one
of the world’s largest bauxite shipping operators.
Since 2014, the company has forged strong partnerships with several shipyards in Sibu —
initially purchasing existing tugboats before signing newbuilding contracts from 2016 onward.
To date, Winning Group has successfully constructed and received over 40 tugboats of
various types in Sibu, demonstrating a long-term cooperative relationship built on mutual trust.
According to Mr. Sun Zhijun, Senior Vice President of Winning International Group, the tugboat
designs and configurations provided by Sibu shipyards are highly suited to the Group’s
operational needs in West Africa.
“The vessels built in Sibu are reliable in structure, easy to operate, and convenient to maintain,”
said Mr. Sun.
“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.
Standardizing the construction of similar vessel types in Sibu not only enhances maintenance
and management efficiency for our Group, but also reflects Sibu’s professionalism and stability
in the international shipbuilding market.”
Built to International Standards, Demonstrating High-Quality Craftsmanship
The nine vessels delivered have undergone multiple rounds of design optimization, resulting
in improved speed, bollard pull, and manoeuvrability.
All vessels comply with the latest specifications of the International Association of
Classification Societies (IACS) members, including Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) and the China
Classification Society (CCS). The construction process was carried out under full supervision
by the classification societies, and all major onboard equipment received classification
approval.
The main engines meet Tier II environmental emission standards, fully complying with
International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements. This achievement showcases
Sarawak’s leadership in green shipbuilding and adherence to strict international standards.
Driving Sarawak’s Shipbuilding Industry onto the Global Stage
This collaboration not only demonstrates Winning Group’s long-standing trust in Sarawak’s
shipbuilding industry but also highlights the international competitiveness of Sibu’s shipyards.
As local shipbuilders continue to enhance their construction capacity and technical capabilities,
the industry is fast becoming a driving force in Sarawak’s maritime and industrial development.
“Sibu’s shipyards have proven their ability to construct high-quality vessels that meet
international standards — a true testament to Sarawak’s industrial strength and accumulated
technical expertise,” the interview team noted.
Winning Group representatives reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining close
collaboration with Sarawak’s shipyards, jointly promoting the sustainable development of the
regional maritime industry, and contributing to the continued internationalization of Sarawak’s
and Malaysia’s shipbuilding sectors.
Sarawak’s Shipbuilding Industry to Be Showcased on the Regional Stage
In recognition of the sector’s rising profile, Sarawak’s Shipbuilding Industry will be featured at
Asia Pacific Maritime (APM), taking place on 25–27 March 2026 in Singapore.
This showcase will be supported by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and
Investment Sarawak (MINTRED Sarawak) and the Sarawak Trade & Tourism Office -
Singapore (STATOS), further strengthening Sarawak’s regional presence and promoting its
world-class shipbuilding capabilities to a global audience.
About SAMIN
The Sarawak Association of Maritime Industries (SAMIN) is an association established in
25th October 2018 to promote the interests of the maritime industry focusing on the state of
Sarawak. SAMIN represents a wide cross-section of Sarawak Shipbuilding, ship repairs
(SBSR), marine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), naval architect, maritime industry
consultant, ship classification, maritime academia, marine product manufacturer, maritime
related or supporting industries. Established Sarawak shipyards along with ship design firms
as well as ship surveying companies are among its members. SAMIN provides the foundation
for the advancement and development of maritime industry in Sarawak as well as to do what
is best for its members in realizing its aspiration.
For further information please contact:
Liu Tiu Khing
Sarawak Association of Maritime Industries (SAMIN)
E: sarawaksamin@gmail.com
T:+60 011 2066 7768 OR
Putrie Rozana Soraya
STATOS
E: putrie.rozana@statos.com.sg
T: +65 91858450