PH races to extend Malampaya output

The Department of Energy (DOE) is expecting movements in the Malampaya gas field before the end of May, which would pave the way for drilling activities to avoid the plant's potential curtailment by 2029.

- BY GABRIELL CHRISTEL GALANG

In a briefing with reporters on Thursday, May 15, Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales shared the latest updates on the fourth phase of the Malampaya activities, including the arrival and deployment of vessels for drilling operations.

"The vessels are in Labuan, Malaysia. All the vessels, drilling ships, [Noble Viking], and the three support vessels are already at port in Labuan. They will need to load all of the materials prior to the departure or deployment [to] northwest Palawan," Sales said, noting that these will arrive in Palawan by May 30.

Once they arrive in the Philippines, drilling operations for the three wells will begin.