China has successfully installed Asia’s first cylindrical floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility, the Haikui No. 1, at the Liuhua oilfield in the Pearl River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea. This milestone marks a significant advancement in China’s offshore oil and gas capabilities, showcasing the nation’s growing expertise in deep-water energy development.
The Haikui No. 1 FPSO facility serves as a versatile platform for crude oil production, storage, and export. Designed and constructed by Chinese experts, this colossal structure stands approximately 30 stories high and weighs about 37,000 tonnes. It comprises nearly 600,000 intricately assembled components, reflecting the complexity and sophistication of modern offshore engineering.
With a maximum displacement of 100,000 tonnes and an oil storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes, the Haikui No. 1 is poised to operate continuously at sea for the next 15 years. It is capable of processing up to 5,600 tonnes of crude oil per day, significantly enhancing China’s offshore oil production capacity.
The successful installation of the Haikui No. 1 not only represents a leap forward in China’s offshore oil and gas equipment realm but also underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its energy infrastructure. The deployment of such advanced technology is expected to contribute to the stability of energy supplies and support economic growth within the region.
The Liuhua oilfield, located in the resource-rich Pearl River Mouth Basin, is a strategic site for China’s energy development. The addition of the Haikui No. 1 FPSO facility is anticipated to boost production efficiency and foster further exploration and development in the South China Sea.
This achievement reflects China’s dedication to innovation and self-reliance in key technological sectors, reinforcing its role as a major player in the global energy industry.
Reference(s):
China installs Asia's first cylindrical offshore oil platform
cgtn.com
