Shell to hike compression at Philippines Malampaya

Shell has let a $30 million contract to Rolls-Royce to supply two industrial RB211 gas turbines to boost gas output from Malampaya deepwater natural gas field offshore the Philippines.

Shell has used Rolls-Royce technology as the mechanical driver for the project’s gas compression trains since start-up in 2001. The additional two RB211 units will enhance production output and efficiency, helping assure a stable supply of energy and a cleaner source of power for the Philippines.

Each RB211 unit will produce 27 Mw of power to drive gas compressors, enabling gas production to be boosted as natural pressure declines. Commercial service is set for 2015.

Malampaya supplies gas to three power stations that generate a combined 2,700 Mw of electricity, enough to provide 40% of the power needed by the island of Luzon, where more than half the nation’s 80 million people live, Rolls Royce said.

Shell Philippines Exploration BV operates the Malampaya project on behalf of Chevron Malampaya LLC and Philippine National Oil Co. Exploration Corp.