China Makes Its First Ultra-Deepwater Gas Discovery in the South China Sea

CNOOC Discovers First Ultra-Deepwater Gas Well in the South China Sea

Located in the Baiyun Sag of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, the well has an open flow potential of 430,000 cubic meters per day.

The well is about 150 nautical miles south of Shenzhen, in China’s exclusive economic zone, with a gas pay zone of 650 meters.

Drilled at a total depth of 4,400 meters, this discovery highlights the hydrocarbon-rich Baiyun Sag region.

Shifting focus from clastic to carbonate rocks, this discovery could revolutionize exploration methods in ultra-deepwater regions.

CNOOC’s chief geologist emphasized that this well opens new opportunities for carbonate rock exploration

Located near existing production facilities, this well could be economically developed through a tieback to the Liwan 3-1 gas field. Located near existing production facilities, this well could be economically developed through a tieback to the Liwan 3-1 gas field.

This is CNOOC’s second major gas discovery, following the June find at the Lingshui 36-1 reservoir, with significant production potential.

CNOOC’s new discovery marks a significant milestone in China’s offshore energy exploration, paving the way for future breakthroughs.