CNOOC Begins Initial Phase of Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Operation
China's Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project Commences Production
The Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project (Phase I) has begun production in the southern Bohai Sea, marking a significant milestone in China's offshore oil industry. This project, operated by CNOOC Limited, is the first lithological oilfield with a proved in-place volume of 100 million tons discovered in the shallow depression zone of the Bohai Bay Basin.
Located in shallow waters with an average depth of around 20 meters, the Kenli 10-2 Oilfield produces heavy crude oil from a lithological reservoir. The project's platform, one of the most complex in the Bohai region, is equipped with over 240 sets of key equipment and is the first large-scale thermal recovery platform for offshore heavy oil in the southern Bohai Sea.
CNOOC Limited has adopted an innovative combined development approach for the project, employing conventional water injection, steam huff and puff, and steam flooding techniques. A total of 79 development wells are planned, including 33 cold recovery wells, 24 thermal recovery wells, 21 water injection wells, and 1 water source well.
The main production facilities include a new central platform and two wellhead platforms, which also leverage adjacent existing facilities. The project's success is expected to contribute to CNOOC Limited's overall production and growth, as well as supporting the company in achieving its strategic goals.
Mr. Yan Hongtao, President of CNOOC Limited, has stated that the project's production commencement signifies a new phase in the development of complex heavy oil reservoirs offshore China. He further indicated that the project's success will have a significant impact on offshore China's development of complicated heavy oil reservoirs.
The successful operation of the project is expected to support CNOOC Limited's Bohai Oilfield in reaching its annual gross production target of 40 million tons. The project is developed in two phases under the strategy of "exploration and development integration, regional coordination, and phased implementation." With a peak production of approximately 19,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day expected in 2026, the Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project (Phase I) is set to play a crucial role in China's oil industry.
The Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project's commencement of production is likely to boost China's offshore oil-and-gas business and finance sectors, as successful production will contribute to CNOOC Limited's overall production and growth.
Careers in the energy industry may also benefit from the project's success, as the Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project is expected to play a crucial role in China's oil industry, with a peak production of approximately 19,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day expected in 2026.
Moreover, the innovative combined development approach adopted by CNOOC Limited for the Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project (Phase I) could set a new standard for complex heavy oil reservoirs development in China's oil-and-gas business.
