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The Philippine Ports Authority will soon bid out the P2.4-billion redevelopment project for Jose Panganiban port in Camarines Norte
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The first phase redevelopment will allow the port to handle offshore wind projects
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It will be the first of three offshore wind terminals in the Philippines
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PPA is tapping the private sector under a turnkey basis to complete the project
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will soon bid out the P2.4-billion first phase redevelopment project for Jose Panganiban port in Camarines Norte that will allow the port to handle offshore wind (OSW) projects.
The Jose Panganiban port will be the first of three offshore wind terminals in the Philippines, according to PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago in a recent media briefing. The two others are Currimao port in Ilocos Norte and Batangas port.
The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier said PPA has committed to producing detailed engineering designs to repurpose the three priority ports so they can handle installation, commissioning, and operational requirements of OSW projects.
DOE identified the three ports as critical to OSW development, given their proximity to high-potential offshore wind energy service contracts (OWESCs).
READ: DOE, PPA to repurpose 3 ports to handle wind projects
Santiago said while OSW projects require between 23 and 25 hectares for the terminal, PPA ports usually cover only two to five hectares, which means the terminals need to be expanded.
Considering the lack of funds, the PPA is tapping the private sector under a turnkey basis to undertake the project in phases. Santiago said PPA will only start payment a year after the terminal’s completion and turnover to the ports authority. Payment will have no interest and will be done quarterly within five years.
He said PPA has undertaken a market survey with potential bidders, some of whom “already have financing in place” to come from government institutions.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said the priority ports will serve as vital logistical hubs throughout the lifecycle of offshore wind projects—from installation to commissioning and decommissioning.
He said upgrading the facilities ensures the Philippines is able to accommodate increasing demands of OSW projects, which are expected to deliver a significant contribution to the country’s energy security and economic stability.
Jose Panganiban port is situated near 14 OWESCs with a potential capacity of 8,150 megawatts, with two contracts in the advanced pre-development phase.
Positioned near 13 OWESCs, Currimao port supports a potential total capacity of 9,489 MW, with three service contracts in the advanced pre-development stage. Batangas port is located close to 29 OWESCs with a combined potential capacity of 24,300 MW.
A total of six OWESCs are in the advanced stages of pre-development, including permitting, licensing, and data gathering. – Roumina Pablo
