In a landmark announcement on Saturday, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) revealed that its offshore heavy oil thermal recovery has officially surpassed 5 million tonnes, a global first. This breakthrough cements the Chinese mainland’s leadership in large-scale thermal extraction of offshore heavy oil.
Heavy oil, known for its high viscosity, poses significant challenges on platforms. Until now, global efforts were stymied by operational constraints and economic hurdles. CNOOC’s milestone shows how advanced thermal recovery techniques can turn these challenges into opportunities.
Data from 2025 tells an inspiring part of the story: 1.3 million tonnes of offshore heavy oil have already been thermally recovered, with annual output projected to hit 2 million tonnes by year-end. These numbers not only demonstrate rapid scaling but also hint at how deep-sea resources can contribute to energy security.
For young innovators and business leaders, CNOOC’s achievement is more than an energy headline, it’s a case study in overcoming technical obstacles through R&D, investment, and on-site innovation. Thought leaders are taking note of how thermal recovery can be a blueprint for sustainable extraction methods globally.
As the world seeks new ways to balance rising energy demands with environmental goals, the Chinese mainland’s offshore success offers a glimpse into the future of energy. The deep-sea oil fields are opening new frontiers, and CNOOC is leading the charge.
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China's offshore heavy oil thermal recovery surpasses 5 million tonnes
cgtn.com
