Malampaya down-manning due to Odette

The Malampaya gas field’s production facility off the coast of Palawan is reducing its manpower temporarily in preparation for the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

“[Yes, down-manning] is happening in response to Typhoon Odette. Linepack is healthy, so hopefully [we have] minimal impact to gas supply to power plant customers,” Shell companies in the Philippines Corporate Relations Advocacy Manager Paulo Gavin confirmed in a message to Power Philippines.

Malampaya, still currently being operated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., supplies around 30% of Luzon’s power needs.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast track as of 5PM Wednesday, Odette is estimated to make landfall this Thursday afternoon in the Dinagat Islands before heading to Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros, and the Sulu Sea, before passing through mainland Palawan and coming close to Malampaya either on Friday or Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has convened the Task Force on Energy Resilience to ensure the sufficient supply of power and oil during Odette’s onslaught in the country.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines also said it is on standby for repairs of transmission lines.