Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 7) — The Department of Energy wants its own marine exploration vessel which may be used in searching for oil and gas deposits at sea, Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Monday.
“The pending request that we have is to purchase an exploration vessel so that we can conduct our own exploration using that fund,” the Cabinet official said when asked how the DOE is planning to tap funds and fees collected from the operations of the Malampaya natural gas facility.
The DOE presented its ₱2.149 billion budget for 2021 before the House appropriations committee, which was trimmed from its original ₱2.6 billion proposal submitted to the Budget Department.
A document published on the DOE website also showed a request for information regarding the construction of a new marine scientific research and exploration vessel or MSREV which ended August 31, meant to gauge the interest of industry players should the agency bid out the project.
Initial specifications require the vessel to be capable of conducting scientific studies and data gathering in “tough environmental conditions at sea,” including geophysical, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, meteorological, marine biology, and fishery research.
In particular, the vessel should have the capacity for oil and gas exploration, including 2D and 3D seismic, gravity and magnetic surveys. This comes as the Philippines is in the middle of discussions with the Chinese government for joint oil and gas exploration at Recto Bank, also known as the Reed Bank, which is part of Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
“This asset will enable the DOE and the Philippine government to conduct independent research capability to explore, develop and produce additional energy resources,” the agency said.
The vessel should be able to carry three to five 20-foot laboratory vans, a helicopter deck, and a high bandwidth satellite communications. It should be able to host 52 cabins and 70 berths, alongside other lodging needs.
It should also be capable of replenishment at sea, must be energy efficient and acoustically quiet, and should be usable under all weather conditions.
The discussions also come a few years ahead of the expiring contract of the Malampaya Consortium in 2024. Once that lapses, full control and ownership of the Malampaya natural gas and facilities will be turned over to the national government.
Cusi earlier said that the Malampaya reservoir is only good until 2027.
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