According to World of Petroleum and Bitumen (WPB), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the country’s leading offshore oil and gas enterprise, has officially launched heavy crude extraction from the Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development, recognized as the most extensive shallow lithological oil reservoir located off China’s coast.
This project, positioned in the southern waters of the Bohai Sea, involves the deployment of 79 wells—comprising cold recovery, thermal recovery, water injection, and a water source well—indicating a diversified and technically advanced development plan. Specifically, the site includes 33 cold recovery wells, 24 designated for thermal recovery, 21 for water injection, and one water source well. The extracted resource consists of heavy crude, a type known for its density and complexity in processing.
Kenli 10-2, situated in the shallow depression zone of the Bohai Bay Basin, holds approximately 100 million metric tons—or around 730 million barrels—of confirmed in-place crude reserves. CNOOC, holding full ownership and operational control of the initiative, is executing the project in two distinct stages.
The production facility deployed at the site ranks among the most intricate platforms operating in the Bohai region. It also marks the first full-scale thermal recovery installation for heavy oil extraction in the southern segment of this sea. The company recently announced the successful installation of this massive structure, describing it as both the heaviest and largest offshore platform ever positioned in the region.
CNOOC’s commitment to offshore exploration extends beyond China’s borders, with ongoing international ventures. The firm’s total oil and gas output recently reached approximately 720 million barrels of oil equivalent, representing a production record that has been broken annually over six consecutive years.
Despite a recalibration of growth targets for the near future, including flat capital expenditure and revised production forecasts through the upcoming three-year period, CNOOC remains confident in maintaining a consistent upward trajectory in annual oil and gas production. The company anticipates continued record-setting performance through the end of 2027, reaffirming its strategic focus on sustainable and large-scale offshore resource development.
By WPB
Crude, Oil, Petroleum
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