Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has won a $30 million order from Shell to supply two industrial RB211 gas turbines to boost gas output from the Malampaya deepwater natural gas project in 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.
Tony Ruegger, Rolls-Royce executive vice president of oil and gas, said: "We are delighted that after eleven years of successful collaboration on this important project Shell has again put its trust in Rolls-Royce. The proven reliability and efficiency of our equipment will help the Malampaya project partners maintain high levels of gas production, ensuring that the Philippines continue to access dependable supplies of electricity."
Each RB211 unit will produce 27MW of power to drive gas compressors, enabling gas production to be boosted as natural pressure within the gas field reduces with extraction.
Compared to equivalent energy generation using coal or fuel oil, the Malampaya natural gas project displaces an estimated 1.35 million kilograms of CO2 an hour and is therefore a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy. Each RB211 unit will feature Rolls-Royce low emissions technology to minimise environmental impact.
More than 60 Rolls-Royce RB211 gas turbines are already in offshore service throughout Asia, serving leading operators including Shell, ExxonMobil and Petronas. More than 600 Rolls-Royce gas turbines serve oil and gas operations worldwide, often operating offshore in harsh environments.
The contract was awarded under a global frame agreement, signed in 2007, between Rolls-Royce and Shell Philippines Exploration BV (SPEX) which operates the Malampaya project on behalf of joint venture partners Chevron Malampaya LLC and the Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corporation (PNOC EC).