China’s first independently developed and built ultra-deepwater gas field, Shenhai Yihao—also known as Deep Sea No. 1—has achieved remarkable milestones since it began operations on June 25, 2021. The gas field has recorded an accumulated natural gas output of over 9 billion cubic meters and an oil output exceeding 900,000 cubic meters to date.
Nestled 150 kilometers off the coast of Sanya in south China’s island province of Hainan, Deep Sea No. 1 stands as a testament to China’s advancing offshore drilling capabilities. Operating at a maximum marine depth of over 1,500 meters, it is the deepest gas field of its kind in the country.
The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has ambitious plans for the future. With the upcoming phase II project aimed at upgrading the gas field, CNOOC expects Deep Sea No. 1 to increase its peak annual output from 3 billion cubic meters to an impressive 4.5 billion cubic meters. This expansion is set to bolster the gas field’s role as a crucial source for the country’s energy security.
The phase II project boasts proven natural gas reserves exceeding 50 billion cubic meters. It encompasses the development of 12 deepwater gas wells, the installation of a comprehensive processing platform weighing over 14,000 tonnes, and the construction of five submarine pipelines stretching approximately 250 kilometers.
The advancement of Deep Sea No. 1 not only signifies a leap in China’s deepwater exploration and extraction technologies but also promises to meet the growing energy demands of the nation. As the phase II project progresses, stakeholders from global investors to energy analysts are keeping a keen eye on the potential economic and environmental impacts.
Reference(s):
Chinese deepwater gas field sees record-high oil, gas output
cgtn.com
