#China #Hainan #CNOOC Limited #South China Sea #exploration

CNOOC Limited's Recent Breakthrough in Deep Sea Exploration

CNOOC Limited, a prominent player in the energy sector, recently celebrated a substantial advancement in deep-sea exploration, marking a noteworthy milestone in the South China Sea. The company announced the successful identification of a significant oil and gas pay zone in the metamorphic buried hills, particularly within the Weizhou 10-5 South Oil and Gas Field, located in the Beibu Gulf of the South China Sea.

Significant Discoveries in the Beibu Gulf

The exploration activity took place at an average water depth of approximately 37 meters, with the exploratory well WZ10-5S-2d drilled to a total depth of 3,362 meters. This well revealed an impressive 211 meters of hydrocarbon-bearing zone, showcasing the vast resources potentially hidden beneath the seabed. Testing results indicate that the well can yield approximately 165,000 cubic feet of natural gas and 400 barrels of crude oil per day, heralding a promising future for exploration and extraction activities in the region.

The Geology Behind the Breakthrough

Mr. Xu Changgui, the Chief Geologist of CNOOC Limited, elaborated on the significance of the breakthrough, noting the company's relentless focus on theoretical innovation and technological challenges associated with exploring buried hills and deep plays. This successful identification of hydrocarbons in Paleozoic granite and Proterozoic metamorphic sandstone and slate formations presents exciting opportunities for further exploration within the Beibu Gulf Basin. It not only signals the promise of untapped resources but also reinforces the company's commitment to revitalizing mature exploration areas.

Future Prospects and Continued Efforts

Mr. Zhou Xinhuai, CEO of CNOOC Limited, emphasized that achieving this milestone sets a precedent for advancing deep plays and buried hill oil and gas exploration offshore China. Looking ahead, the company is determined to continue its focused research on critical theories and technologies that play a vital role in deep-sea exploration, further enhancing their capabilities in research and development. The ambition is to facilitate increased reserves and production growth, ensuring a stable supply of oil and gas resources.

Conclusion

The breakthrough achieved by CNOOC Limited in the South China Sea opens avenues for further exploration and sets a robust foundation for future discoveries. As the energy sector evolves, such advancements are crucial in meeting global energy demands while paving the way for technological progress in deep-sea exploration. CNOOC's findings may reshape the landscape of oil and gas exploration in the region, illustrating the importance of innovation and determination in unlocking previously inaccessible resources.

For more detailed insights on CNOOC Limited and its operations, you can visit CNOOC's Official Website.