China National Offshore Oil Corporation Commences Production at Weizhou 5-3 Oilfield

Chinese state-owned oil and gas giant China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has flipped the production switch on at an oilfield development project in the South China Sea.

CNOOC’s Weizhou 5-3 oilfield development project, located in the Beibu Gulf Basin of the South China Sea, has now been brought on stream. Situated within an average water depth of approximately 35 meters, this project marks a significant milestone for CNOOC.

The project sees CNOOC holding a 51% interest, with Smart Oil Investment owning the remaining 49%. Anticipated to reach a plateau production of around 10,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026, the Weizhou 5-3 development project is poised for substantial output.

The main production facility, featuring a self-installing wellhead platform, utilizes existing nearby facilities for efficient development. The project’s oil property is characterized as medium crude, further enhancing CNOOC’s diverse portfolio.

With ten development wells in the works, including seven production wells, two water injection wells, and one gas injection well, the project’s operational scope is extensive. This strategic approach underscores CNOOC’s commitment to maximizing production potential.

The project’s start-up follows closely on the heels of CNOOC’s recent production commencement in the western Pearl River Mouth Basin and the discovery of additional oil resources in the eastern South China Sea. These developments underscore CNOOC’s continued efforts to expand its presence and enhance its production capabilities in key offshore regions.