22 years of hitting ‘Goal Zero’: Another milestone for Malampaya

The Malampaya integrated platform using the “float-over” technology. —FILE PHOTO

The lead company in the conglomerate currently operating the Malampaya gas project has reached another milestone in safety in its onshore gas plant—zero accident and leak in more than two decades, a streak that could be considered a record.

Prime Energy Resources Development BV, operator of the Malampaya gas field, announced that the Malampaya offshore gas plant (MOGP) in Batangas province has hit its “Goal Zero’ target—no accident or leak—continuously for 22 years now.

“This achievement sets a precedent for our unyielding commitment to our core values of safety, honesty, integrity, respect, value creation, and tenacity,” said Donnabel Cruz, Prime Energy managing director and general manager.

“It underscores not only our dedication to these principles but also our responsibilities as an energy provider, assuring our stakeholders of our utmost commitment to excellence in all we do,” Cruz said in a statement.

The impeccable record was achieved despite what appeared to be stumbling blocks brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of daily operations, maintenance and execution of high-risk activities, according to a Prime Energy statement.

Dingdong Altajeros, MOGP onshore installation manager, said the achievement was made possible by the outstanding skills, discipline and character of the conglomerate’s workers and unwavering support of its leadership team.

“Goal Zero is more than just a target. It is a way of life,” said Altajeros.

The accomplishment followed a two-week maintenance program for the Malampaya platform, pipelines and production system that was completed in February 2023 with zero accident. The maintenance program was carried out with close coordination with the Department of Energy.

The safety record is on top of other achievements like output targets being exceeded in April, May and June as a result of efficient maintenance and equipment integrity. These played key roles in meeting high demand and achieving high sales during the peak months.

Energy production and supply exceeded the target 274 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) and reached 280 MMSCFD.

It was not the first time, though, for Malampaya to exceed projections. From start of operations in 2002 until end of 2022, revenue from the gas production facility reached more than $13 billion versus projection of $10 billion.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had approved the renewal of Service Contract no. 38 (SC 38), extending the project for another 15 years until February 22, 2039.

Under SC 38, the Malampaya consortium will be remitting 60 percent of net proceeds to the national government. The consortium has remitted more than $13.14 billion from 2001 to end of 2022.

TSB