Surpassing 10,000 km: A Milestone in Submarine Piping
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced that the total length of submarine oil and gas pipelines in the Chinese mainland has now surpassed 10,000 kilometers. This milestone underscores a leap in engineering prowess, positioning the nation at the forefront of offshore energy infrastructure.
From Shallow Shores to Ultra-Deep Waters
Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan in 2021, CNOOC has laid over 1,500 kilometers of new pipelines. Notably, the maximum operating depth has reached 1,542 meters, marking a shift from near-shore projects to ultra-deep water operations and unlocking access to previously unreachable reserves.
Innovating at Scale: Tech Collaboration and Pipeline Diversity
CNOOC's drive for original technology has involved partnerships with domestic universities, research institutes and enterprises. Today, pipeline diameters range from as small as 2 inches to as large as 48 inches, reflecting versatility that spans exploration lines, gathering networks and major trunk mains.
Next Steps: Digital and Intelligent Transformation
Looking ahead, CNOOC plans to enhance core technological capabilities in subsea engineering, optimize operational equipment sequences and accelerate the sector’s shift toward intelligent, data-driven systems. As offshore pipelines go smart, the future of energy infrastructure promises greater safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship.
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Length of China's submarine oil, gas pipelines surpasses 10,000 km
cgtn.com
