Daily Tribune‘Recent milestones from drilling to subsea installation reflect the steady advancement of Malampaya Phase 4 toward full system integration. into the existing infrastructure, supporting the Philippines’ energy security.’
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FROM installation to seabed placement A J-lay Flowline End Terminal is carefully lowered from the Audacia pipelay vessel and precisely installed on the seabed at a depth of 690 meters. The FLET serves as a critical connection point between subsea flowlines and production infrastructure, marking a key milestone in the integration of the Malampaya Phase 4 subsea system and enabling the safe and efficient transport of natural gas.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of Prime Energy
Prime Energy’s Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) project is set to extend the life of the Malampaya gas field under Service Contract No. 38 (SC 38) by up to six years, following a drilling campaign that confirmed two new gas resources.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Razon-led power firm said offshore construction is advancing to bring the new resources into production. Subsea pipelaying is underway, marking the country’s first deepwater offshore pipe installation since 2000.
The offshore construction vessel Audacia has installed flowlines linking the Malampaya East and Camago wells to the existing production system. Supporting works by the Fortitude vessel covered the installation of flowline end terminations, foundations, protective mattresses, and other key infrastructure.
Project marks a technical milestone
The project also marked a technical milestone with the installation of 30-meter piles at a depth of about 1,100 meters using hydraulic hammering technology, strengthening subsea infrastructure.
Earlier, the successful drilling and testing of the Malampaya East-1 well in January and the Camago-3 well in March helped confirm resources expected to sustain output from the field.
“Recent milestones from drilling to subsea installation reflect the steady advancement of Malampaya Phase 4 toward full system integration,” Prime Energy, operator of SC 38, said.
“As offshore works progress, these developments ensure that newly discovered indigenous gas resources can be safely brought into the existing infrastructure, supporting the Philippines’ energy security.”
Next moves
With offshore installation progressing, the project will next move into commissioning and hook-up. This phase will include pressure testing, nitrogen drying, and the installation of subsea jumpers linking the wells to the Malampaya Main Manifold, along with umbilicals for power, communications and hydraulic control.
MP4 remains on track to deliver first gas by the fourth quarter of the year.
Once completed, the project is expected to extend Malampaya’s productive life by around six years, ensuring continued supply of indigenous natural gas for the country’s power generation needs.
