The Department of Energy (DOE) said Friday the Malampaya Consortium is on track to deliver new indigenous gas from the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project in northwest Palawan by the fourth quarter of 2026 with the arrival of the 7th generation drillship Noble Viking at the drill site.
Noble Viking arrived at the Bagong Pag-Asa drill site in offshore Palawan on June 19, 2025, signifying the official commencement of drilling operations under the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) Project.
DOE officer-in-charge Sharon Garin said the arrival of Noble Viking is a significant milestone for the country’s energy sector, noting that the commencement of drilling operations reflects a renewed national commitment to securing the Philippines’ long-term energy security.
“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,”Garin said.
Commissioned in 2001, the Malampaya project has served as a cornerstone of the Philippine energy mix, supplying as much as 40 percent 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 and securing the country’s indigenous energy supply.
“This development not only strengthens our energy security and reduces our dependence on imported fuel, but also for consumers and supports our industries and jobs,” said Garin.
Garin commended Prime Energy Resources, a unit of businessman Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. for its continued investment and close collaboration with government, noting that such partnerships, rooted in clear policy direction, technological innovation, and private sector capability, are essential to achieving national energy goals.
She extended gratitude to the engineers, geologists, rig workers and support teams powering the MP4 Project.
“Offshore drilling is a high-risk, highly technical endeavor, yet your dedication and resilience bring this mission to life. You are at the heart of this mission,” she said.
The DOE reaffirmed its full support for the MP4 Project and committed to facilitating its future phases in line with the Department’s vision of a secure, sustainable, and accessible energy future.
“Every well drilled, every milestone reached, and every megawatt produced is a collective step forward, toward a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for all Filipinos,” Garin said.
Garin joined key officials of the Malampaya Consortium in welcoming the arrival of the drill ship. She was joined by Senator Pia Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, and the officers of Malampaya operator Prime Energy.
