Record-Breaking Production at China’s Ultra-Deepwater Gas Field, Shenhai Yihao

BEIJING: China's pioneering ultra-deepwater gas field, Shenhai Yihao, also known as Deep Sea No.1, has achieved a significant milestone by producing over 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas and more than 900,000 cubic meters of oil since its inception. According to Emirates News Agency, Shenhai Yihao represents a notable achievement in China's energy sector, being the first gas field that is both independently developed and built in the country. Operational since June 25, 2021, it stands as the deepest of its kind in China. The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has outlined ambitious plans for the field's expansion through its phase II project. This initiative is set to elevate the peak annual output from 3 billion cubic meters to 4.5 billion cubic meters. Following the completion of this phase, Deep Sea No.1 is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the country's energy security. Details of the phase II project reveal substantial infrastructure advancements, including the establishme nt of 12 deepwater gas wells, a comprehensive processing platform with a weight exceeding 14,000 tonnes, and five submarine pipelines totaling around 250 kilometers in length. Located approximately 150 kilometers off the coast of Sanya in Hainan Province, Deep Sea No.1 operates at a staggering marine depth of over 1,500 meters, setting a new benchmark in offshore drilling.