China - August 15, 2024

China discovers world's 1st large, ultra-shallow gas field in ultra-deep waters

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Chinese oil and gas giant China National Offshore Oil Corporation has discovered the world’s first large-size, ultra-shallow gas field in ultra-deep waters.

The Lingshui 36-1 gas field is located southeast of China’s island province Hainan, about 1,500 meters below the surface of the South China Sea.

CNOOC says it contains more than 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas, with an average burial depth of about 210 meters.

Engineers at CNOOC say they’ve tackled a critical engineering challenge in shallow gas drilling, which can be dangerous.

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Wu Yanhui, Lingshui 36-1 project manager, China National Offshore Oil Corporation Hainan Branch:

"Facing the technological gaps in the offshore drilling industry, we have independently constructed a complete, safe and efficient drilling and testing technology system for ultra-shallow gas field in ultra-deep waters, by focusing on key issues such as how to overcome the challenges of ultra-deep waters and an ultra-shallow layer, how to ensure the quality and quantity of drilling holes, and how to carry out safety tests."

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CNOOC says the new find completes the final piece in their plan to establish a one trillion cubic meter gas zone in the South China Sea.

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