On Sunday, December 14, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced that the secondary development project of the Liuhua Oilfield, China’s first deepwater oilfield, has officially gone into full secondary production. This milestone marks a major breakthrough in the Chinese mainland’s capability to tap complex offshore reservoirs.
Located in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, the Liuhua Oilfield is the largest offshore reef limestone oilfield in the Chinese mainland by proven reserves. Since its initial commissioning in 1996, Liuhua has yielded over 20 million tonnes of crude. Yet geologists estimate that approximately 140 million tonnes remain trapped in the seabed, prompting this secondary development phase.
The secondary project spans two blocks—Liuhua 11-1 and Liuhua 4-1—lying at average depths of 305 meters. It involves 32 production wells, the first batch of which started pumping in September 2024. Production has steadily ramped up, with daily output peaking at a record 3,900 tonnes of crude oil this month.
Energy experts say hitting full secondary production is critical for meeting China’s growing demand and reducing reliance on imports. A CNOOC spokesperson highlighted that this milestone will unlock the field’s remaining reserves, improve offshore recovery rates, and drive innovation in deepwater drilling technology.
Looking ahead, CNOOC plans to integrate advanced drilling techniques and digital monitoring to further boost efficiency and sustainability. For global energy markets and tech enthusiasts alike, Liuhua’s success provides a case study in scaling complex offshore operations while managing environmental risks.
As the Chinese mainland and other energy players intensify deepwater exploration, Liuhua’s story underscores the value of long-term investment and R&D in unlocking the next frontier of oil and gas resources.
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China's first deepwater oilfield hits full secondary production
cgtn.com
