China has marked a significant milestone in offshore engineering with the installation of its first intelligent offshore drilling platform, the “Huizhou 26-6,” in the South China Sea on Friday, as announced by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
Located approximately 230 kilometers southeast of Shenzhen City in Guangdong Province, the massive structure weighs over 30,000 tonnes and features a deck area equivalent to eight standard basketball courts. The platform is strategically positioned atop oil and gas fields at an average water depth of 112 meters, boasting proven geological reserves estimated at 50 million cubic meters of oil equivalent.
What sets the Huizhou 26-6 apart is its advanced intelligent systems. Despite housing three times the equipment of traditional platforms, it occupies one-third less space. This efficiency is achieved through its cutting-edge functionalities, including intelligent production management, automated drilling operations, equipment health monitoring, and enhanced security measures.
The project team highlighted that these technological advancements are expected to elevate production efficiency by 20 percent and reduce operation and maintenance costs by 10 percent annually. The integration of intelligent systems signifies a leap forward in offshore drilling capabilities, aligning with global trends toward smarter, more efficient energy production.
The successful installation of the Huizhou 26-6 platform not only strengthens China’s offshore oil and gas extraction capacity but also underscores the nation’s commitment to innovation in the energy sector. This development holds promising implications for investors and industry stakeholders, presenting new opportunities in the exploration and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
Reference(s):
China's first intelligent offshore drilling platform installed
cgtn.com
