CNOOC Limited (China National Offshore Oil Corporation) recently reached a new milestone in its exploration operations with a major breakthrough in the Longkou 7-1 oil field, located in Bohai Bay. The LK7-1-1 well was drilled to a depth of around 4,400 metres, encountering 76 metres of oil and gas bearing zones. Production tests revealed the extraction of 210 cubic meters of crude oil per day and almost one million cubic meters of natural gas, marking a record for gas productivity tested in this region.
Technological and geological advances
This breakthrough highlights the potential of the geological formations buried in Bohai Bay. According to Xu Changgui, Deputy Director of Exploration at CNOOC Limited, this success demonstrates the company’s ability to exploit resources in complex geological conditions. The depth and composition of the Mesozoic volcanic rocks were decisive factors in this successful exploration. Recent discoveries also demonstrate the growing importance of advanced technologies in hydrocarbon exploration.
Implications for the Energy Sector
The breakthrough at Longkou 7-1 strengthens CNOOC Limited’s position in offshore oil and gas exploration. Zhou Xinhuai, the company’s CEO, said that this strategic step forward supports the company’s development and energy supply objectives. By continuing to focus on innovation and improving its technological capabilities, CNOOC aims to increase production and ensure a stable supply of energy.
Over the past 12 months, CNOOC Limited has made several notable discoveries. In January, the company announced the discovery of the Bozhong 19-6 oil field in central Bohai Bay. This field, with an average water depth of 22 meters, has revealed significant reserves of crude oil and natural gas. The BZ19-6-1 discovery well was drilled to a depth of 4,200 metres, encountering oil and gas zones similar to those of Longkou 7-1.
Recent Discoveries and Developments
In April, CNOOC announced another discovery in the Luda 21-2 oil field, located in the northern part of Bohai Bay. The well, drilled to a depth of 3,800 meters, also revealed significant oil and gas reserves, confirming the region’s potential for future exploration. Production tests on well LD21-2-1 showed daily productivity of 180 cubic metres of crude oil and 800,000 cubic metres of natural gas.
These recent discoveries demonstrate CNOOC’s ability to use advanced technologies to overcome geological challenges and maximize production. Advances in exploration and technology have enabled the company to target areas previously considered too complex or inaccessible. Bohai Bay, in particular, has proven to be a resource-rich region, offering new opportunities for the Chinese oil and gas industry.
Future strategy and outlook
CNOOC plans to continue investing in research and development to improve its exploration capabilities. The company strives to strengthen its partnerships with other industry players to share technology and knowledge, thereby increasing the efficiency and profitability of its operations. The recent discoveries also serve as a basis for exploring similar areas off the Chinese coast, where comparable geological formations may contain as yet untapped hydrocarbon reserves.
