In a groundbreaking achievement, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has successfully installed \"Haikui No. 1,\" Asia's first cylindrical floating oil-gas production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility. This milestone marks a significant advancement in China's capabilities to develop deepwater oil and gas fields.
\"Haikui No. 1\" is stationed in the Liuhua Oilfield within the Pearl River Mouth Basin, extending more than 320 meters deep and located approximately 240 kilometers southeast of Shenzhen City. Weighing in at 37,000 tonnes and standing as tall as a 30-story building, the FPSO integrates crude oil production, storage, and offloading functions. With nearly 600,000 components and a main deck size comparable to 13 standard basketball courts, it boasts an impressive oil storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes.
Wang Huoping, deputy general manager of the Liuhua Oilfield development project at CNOOC's Shenzhen branch, highlighted that this is China's first foray into offshore installation of cylindrical marine equipment. Designed for a 30-year lifespan, \"Haikui No. 1\" can operate continuously at sea for 15 years without the need for docking, showcasing China's commitment to long-term energy projects.
The innovative cylindrical design offers several advantages over traditional ship-shaped FPSOs, including reduced steel usage, higher oil storage efficiency, and enhanced resilience against harsh sea conditions. These improvements not only boost economic viability but also lower the costs associated with oilfield development and operations.
Despite challenges such as a high center of gravity and large windward area that make the structure prone to rotation, the successful installation was achieved using 12 sets of deepwater suction anchors. These anchors, independently designed and built by China, are connected by 12 mooring legs, each 2,570 meters long with a breaking load of 2,300 tonnes, ensuring the stability of \"Haikui No. 1\" in turbulent seas.
This pioneering project underscores China's growing expertise in offshore oil and gas technology, positioning CNOOC as a leader in the global energy sector. As the demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions rises, innovations like \"Haikui No. 1\" are set to play a crucial role in meeting future energy needs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
