China’s first ultra-deepwater gas field, Shenhai-1 (Deep Sea No. 1), has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of all three subsea production facilities for Phase II of the project, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced on Tuesday.
The domestically developed Shenhai-1 represents a major leap in deep-sea energy exploration for the country. Designed to tap into oil and gas reservoirs located deep beneath the ocean floor under high temperature and pressure, the project showcases China’s advancing capabilities in offshore engineering and technology.
The newly installed underwater manifold centers are central to the development of deepwater oil and gas fields. Often referred to as underwater “oil and gas hubs,” these systems collect and transport hydrocarbons produced by wells on the ocean bed. Weighing over 540 tonnes in total, the three systems are the heaviest equipment among underwater production facilities. Their installation faced multiple challenges, including extreme hydrostatic pressure, unpredictable ocean currents, and the dark, high-pressure environment of the seabed.
“The installation is taking place during the season of sea typhoons, with complex and changeable climate and sea conditions, posing great challenges to the operations,” said Gao Xuanpeng, deputy general manager of the Phase II project. “Our team has overcome technical challenges such as wire rope torsion during installation, setting a new record in depth for double-rope hoisting operation in China’s marine engineering.”
Located in the western part of the northern South China Sea, Phase II of the Shenhai-1 project lies approximately 130 kilometers off the coast of Sanya City in Hainan Province. The successful installation not only marks a significant advancement in China’s deep-sea energy development but also contributes to the diversification of energy sources in the region.
The progress of the Shenhai-1 project reflects China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its energy security and meet the growing energy demands of its economy. As deep-sea exploration becomes increasingly important for global energy markets, developments like Shenhai-1 are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy supply in Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
