The Department of Energy (DOE) says it has concluded the offshore 3D seismic surveys by Ratio Petroleum Ltd. (Ratio) in the East Palawan Basin under Service Contract (SC) No. 76 and by PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) in the Northwest Palawan Basin under SC 57.
In a statement released by the DOE, Ratio, an Israeli company, and PNOC-EC enlisted the help of Shearwater GeoServices to deploy the seismic survey vessel SW Thuridur to collect 3D seismic data over SC blocks 76 and 57.
“The completion of these surveys marks a significant milestone in the nation’s petroleum exploration efforts, underscoring the DOE’s commitment to pursuing high-impact activities to support inclusive economic growth and societal advancement,” said Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.
The seismic surveys, conducted from March 18 to June 20, 2024, 1,619 square kilometers in SC 76 and 1,519 square kilometers in SC 57. Lasting 94 days, the surveys used advanced technology to capture high-resolution images of the subsurface geology.
The energy department had approved these seismic surveys as part of the companies’ contractual work commitments.
The data collected will improve the understanding of the geological characteristics of the East Palawan and Northwest Palawan basins, aiding in the assessing of their oil and gas potential.
Additionally, the projects received full support from the Provincial Government of Palawan and national government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of National Defense (DND), National Security Council (NSC).
The projects also received support from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).
“These efforts also highlight the government’s resolve to strengthen policies that support the proactive development of the country’s indigenous resources with the end goal of achieving energy security,” Lotilla added.
