China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has announced the commencement of natural gas production from a challenging deepwater, high-pressure field located offshore China. This project marks a notable achievement in complex offshore energy development.
Project Overview
The field’s development involved substantial infrastructure. Its core facilities include a new fixed production platform. Furthermore, the project incorporates three centralized subsea wellheads, streamlining underwater extraction processes.
Key Infrastructure Details
Engineers designed the new fixed production platform to withstand deepwater conditions. It manages the processing and initial transportation of extracted resources. The three centralized subsea wellheads connect directly to the underwater reservoirs, efficiently gathering gas and liquids.
Development Wells
CNOOC plans to commission a total of twelve development wells. These wells are crucial for optimizing resource recovery from the field. Their phased integration will ensure efficient and sustained production over the project’s lifespan.
Production Targets and Projections
The company has established clear targets for the field’s output. CNOOC anticipates the field will reach its peak production in 2025. This projection underscores a strategic timeline for maximizing operational efficiency and yield.
Peak Output Expectations
At its peak, the field expects to produce 162 million cubic feet of natural gas per day (MMcfgd). In addition, it projects an output of 3,931 barrels of liquids per day (bpd). These figures highlight the field’s substantial contribution to energy supply.
Strategic Importance of the Development
Developing a deepwater, high-pressure field presents considerable technical hurdles. Such environments demand advanced engineering solutions and specialized equipment. CNOOC’s successful initiation of production demonstrates its growing expertise in challenging offshore operations.
This achievement also reinforces China’s domestic energy capabilities. The new field will contribute to China’s energy security, providing a significant source of natural gas and liquids. Moreover, the project showcases the company’s commitment to expanding its offshore resource base, enhancing the nation’s overall energy portfolio.
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