PH starts drilling at Malampaya Phase 4

This was marked by the arrival of a seventh-generation drillship.

The Philippines has commenced drilling operations at the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) Project following the arrival of the seventh-generation drillship Noble Viking.

In a statement, Department of Energy (DOE) Officer-in-Charge Sharon Garin said the “commencement of drilling operations reflects a renewed national commitment to securing the Philippines’ long-term energy security.”

The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project was commissioned in 2001. It is supplying as much as 40% of Luzon’s power demand at its peak.

Under Phase 4, Noble Viking will drill three new wells, Camago-3, Malampaya East-1, and Bagong Pag-asa-1, extending the life of the gas field.

DOE expects the delivery of the first gas by the fourth quarter of 2026.