HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF MANILA BAY AND ADJACENT AREAS

Abstract

The first ever exploratory well in the Manila Bay sector of the Central Luzon Basin, Philippines was drilled in mid-1995. The well yielded encouraging results. Although it failed to reach its main objective between 2,900 and 3,350 m (9,500 and 11,000 feet) and was not tested due to technical problems, the drilling results provided valuable geological information which has substantially upgraded the hydrocarbon prospectivity of the area.

Manila Bay 1A/1AST was drilled to a total depth of 2,265 m (7,430 feet) and penetrated an over-pressured, potentially gas-bearing Late Miocene-Pliocene carbonate reservoir between 1,995 and 2,210 m (6,546 and 7,252 feet). Gas (C1 to C4) in the mudstream while drilling and streaming cuts and fluorescence in certain samples, attest to the generative potential of the southern sector of the Central Luzon Basin. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the development of previously unrecognized excellent shelfal carbonate reservoirs on the southwestern margin of the basin.

A second well in Manila Bay is planned for drilling in first quarter 1996, to fully appraise the gas potential of the Late Miocene-Pliocene carbonate section and to explore the deeper primary objective of possible Middle Miocene or older age carbonates. In parallel, exploration plans are also being drawn to confirm possible similar features in the onshore area immediately north of Manila Bay.

Any commercial hydrocarbon discoveries in Manila Bay and/or this adjacent onshore area would constitute economically significant sources of indigenous energy for Metro Manila and the rapidly industrializing adjacent provinces.