Malampaya phase 4 drilling commences offshore Palawan
The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the drilling operations in the Malampaya phase 4 project have commenced, following the arrival of a new drillship in offshore Palawan.
In a statement on Friday, June 20, DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon Garin, alongside officials of the Malampaya Consortium, welcomed the 7th Generation Drillship Noble Viking to the Bagong Pag-Asa Drill Site, marking the commencement of drilling activities in the area.
“This occasion marks a significant moment not only for the SC 38 Consortium but also for the government, and more importantly, for the Filipino people we are committed to serving,” she said.
“This development not only strengthens our energy security and reduces our dependence on imported fuel, but also for consumers and our industries, and jobs,” Garin added.
The first expected gas delivery is slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, as the Noble Viking is set to drill three new wells: Camago-3, Malampaya East-1, and Bagong Pag-asa 1.
These well constructions are expected to extend the life of the gas field, which would help secure the country’s indigenous energy supply.
The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project was commissioned in 2001 and has supplied as much as 40 percent of Luzon’s power demand.
Garin further commended Razon-led Prime Energy for its investment and collaboration with the government.
Since its integration, Malampaya embarked on phases 2 and 3, which would allow the field to maintain enough production under its gas sales agreements.
The Malampaya Phase 2 was completed in 2013, while the Phase 3 was finished in 2015.
The recent drilling efforts would address the potential plant curtailment, which was initially predicted to be in 2029.
Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales previously said that once the two wells succeed, the gas field would prolong its life to 2034.