CNOOC Limited announced a successful commencement of production at the Panyu 11-12 Oilfield/Panyu 10-1 Oilfield/Panyu 10-2 Oilfield Adjustment Joint Development Project, at company's offshore oil exploration and production efforts in the South China Sea.

The project is in the eastern region of the South China Sea, in an area with an average water depth of approximately 100 meters. The development aims to enhance production capacity in this mature oilfield cluster, which has been a key source of output for CNOOC Limited since its inception. The newly commissioned facilities include a combination of a new wellhead platform and an unmanned wellhead platform, with a total of 15 development wells expected to be commissioned over the life of the project.

The new project is expected to reach a peak production capacity of approximately 13,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) by 2025. Since the Panyu oilfield began production in 2003, it has produced more than 380 million barrels of crude oil, cementing its importance in CNOOC’s portfolio.

The Panyu Oilfield is known for its medium and heavy crude oil reserves, and it has been a significant contributor to CNOOC's production. CNOOC Limited holds 100% ownership of the Panyu 11-12, Panyu 10-1, and Panyu 10-2 oilfields and serves as the operator of the joint development project.

A key feature of this development is the deployment of a new unmanned wellhead platform equipped with a "Typhoon Production Mode" and a sophisticated heavy oil intelligent processing system. These technologies have been incorporated to enhance operational safety and improve the overall efficiency of the production process. The platform has been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring stable operations even during typhoons, which are common in the region. Additionally, the heavy oil processing system optimizes the extraction and refining of the medium and heavy crude oil found in the Panyu Oilfields, reducing operational risks and improving output.

Another notable aspect of the project is the integration of the new wellhead platform with the existing Panyu 10-2 platform via a trestle bridge. This connection facilitates the sharing of key facilities and equipment between the two platforms, significantly reducing development costs. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the project optimizes the use of resources and minimizes environmental impact, which aligns with CNOOC Limited’s commitment to sustainable development and operational excellence.

The company has established a digitalized, intelligent, and unmanned operation for the Panyu oilfields, demonstrating its leadership in the offshore oil sector and commitment to advancing technology to improve production capabilities.