The Malampaya gas field, located offshore from Palawan, is responsible for providing roughly 30% of the Philippines’ electricity. Because of the impact this field has on the energy security of the Philippines, Boskalis was contracted by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. for the installation of an offshore depletion compression platform (DCP) besides an existing shallow water gas platform (SWP) in the Malampaya Field (Philippines).

Once installed, the DCP was designed to boost the pressure of gas within the field, in order to counteract well pressure decline and sustain field production rates. This project exists as a part of a wider range of activities to prolong the longevity of the Malampaya field by 8 years.

After the DCP was completed, Boskalis had to install a walkway between the SWP and the DCP, to ensure safe and efficient transfer between the platforms. The 45-ton steel bridge presented multiple installation challenges.

Due to the proximity of the installation project to the live SWP, Boskalis had to make sure that they did not use vessel or equipment that could damage existing subsea infrastructure. To account for this, they chose to use a vessel with dynamic positioning, named the Ndeavor.

When lifting the bridge from the vessel, wave motions could pose a great problem. The DP system of the Ndeavor could maintain vessel position but would not be able to compensate for the roll, pitch, and heave motions. These motions limit project workability as lifting can only safely be done in calm sea states.