China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has successfully initiated production from the second phase of its Luda 5-2 North Oilfield development project, marking a significant milestone in China’s offshore energy sector.
The Luda 5-2 North Oilfield, situated in the central Bohai Sea at an average water depth of 30 metres, represents a breakthrough in China’s ultra-heavy oil extraction capabilities.
CNOOC, which holds a 100 per cent interest and operates the project, expects the field to reach peak production of approximately 6,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) by 2026.
The phase two development builds upon the success of the initial phase, which began production in April 2022. It incorporates advanced infrastructure, including a new auxiliary production platform and a production wellhead platform.
The project plan outlines the commissioning of 29 development wells, comprising 28 production wells and one water source well.
Notably, the Luda 5-2 North Oilfield is pioneering as the first in China to produce from super heavy oil reservoirs using thermal recovery techniques.
This achievement underscores CNOOC‘s commitment to technological innovation in the energy sector.
CNOOC has implemented optimised jet pump injection-production technology, enabling efficient and cost-effective heavy crude development.
This advancement not only enhances the company’s energy supply capacity but also sets a new standard for offshore super-heavy oil extraction in China.
The commencement of the Luda 5-2 North Oilfield phase two project follows CNOOC’s recent successes, including the start of phase one production at the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield in central Bohai Bay and the initiation of the Buzios7 project.
These developments collectively strengthen CNOOC’s position as a leading player in China’s offshore oil and gas industry.
As CNOOC continues to expand its operations and technological capabilities, the Luda 5-2 North Oilfield project stands as a testament to China’s growing expertise in complex offshore oil extraction, potentially reducing reliance on oil imports and bolstering domestic energy security.
