China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Limited has officially announced the commencement of production for its Luda 5-2 North Oilfield Phase II Development Project, located in the central Bohai Sea. The oilfield, with an average water depth of 30 meters, will see the addition of new production facilities, including an auxiliary production platform and a production wellhead platform.
The Phase II project will install 29 wells, including 28 production wells and 1 water source well. Expected to reach a peak production rate of approximately 6,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026, the oil extracted from the field is heavy crude.
Technological Innovations and Enhanced Efficiency
The Luda 5-2 North Oilfield holds a special place in China’s offshore oil production history, being the first oilfield in the country to produce from super heavy oil reservoirs via thermal recovery. The Phase I growth of the project already started producing in 2022. Phase II expansion of CNOOC Limited is seeking to optimize the potential of the oilfield as well as boost production efficiency.
CNOOC Limited‘s groundbreaking Jet Pump Injection-Production Technology has also been a vital force behind the success of the project, enormously enhancing the efficient and economic exploitation of heavy crude. This advanced technology is expected to boost the company’s energy supply capacity as it enhances offshore super heavy oil development.
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Ownership and Future Opportunities of CNOOC Limited
CNOOC Limited wholly owns and operates the Luda 5-2 North Oilfield Phase II project, directly managing all operations. Through this strategic project, the company hopes to expand its offshore oil production and support China’s energy security. The smooth operation of the project, underpinned by technological advancements, sets CNOOC Limited up for a pioneering position in offshore heavy oil development.
Moreover, the projected peak rate of production of 6,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026 is a major move towards enhancing the company’s offshore oil and energy supply strength.