CNOOC commences production at Suizhong 36-2 Block Development Project

CNOOC Limited (SEHK: 00883 [HKD Counter], 80883 [RMB Counter], SSE: 600938) has announced the successful commencement of production at the Suizhong 36-2 Oilfield 36-2 Block Development Project. The project, situated in Liaodong Bay within the Bohai Sea, operates in an average water depth of 27 metres.

The project features a new unmanned wellhead platform as its primary production facility. It will incorporate 21 development wells, comprising 16 production wells and five water-injection wells. Production is expected to peak at approximately 9,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026, with the oil property categorised as light crude.

To optimise operational efficiency, the project leverages existing facilities from nearby producing fields for crude processing and transportation. By employing standardised engineering and construction methods, the project has effectively reduced its offshore construction workload, streamlined investment costs, and secured its return on investment.

CNOOC Limited holds full ownership and serves as the operator of the project.

Earlier Development: Jinzhou 23-2 Oilfield Development Project

Earlier this month, CNOOC Limited also began production at the Jinzhou 23-2 Oilfield Development Project, located in the northern Bohai Sea. This project operates at an average water depth of 13 metres and utilises two newly constructed central processing platforms.

The Jinzhou 23-2 project includes 67 planned wells—65 production wells and two water source wells—and is expected to achieve peak production of 17,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2027. The oil property is classified as heavy crude, and the project represents China‘s first offshore multi-layer heavy oil thermal recovery initiative.

CNOOC Limited employs advanced techniques such as “steam stimulation and chemical auxiliary steam flooding” to lower the viscosity of heavy crude oil. This approach significantly improves reserve utilisation and strengthens energy supplies to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

CNOOC Limited also owns 100% of this project and operates it exclusively.

Industry Insights

These developments underscore CNOOC Limited’s strategic focus on maximising production efficiencies and leveraging innovative technologies for enhanced energy output. The combination of light and heavy crude projects highlights the company’s capacity to diversify its offshore portfolio, strengthening its position as a leading energy producer in the region.