China's first self-developed ultra-deepwater gas field, Shenxi-1, has reached full production capacity, operator China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOC) said. This makes it the largest offshore gas field in the country by production, statistics show.
All 23 underwater wells in the field are already in operation, reaching a peak daily capacity of 15 million cubic meters.
"Full commissioning is a key step for China to achieve large-scale deepwater oil and gas development through the construction of deepwater gas field clusters," the CNPC said. This is important for ensuring national energy security, stimulating regional economic development, and building a strong maritime nation.
Shenxi-1 was developed in two stages, with operations on the first stage starting on June 25, 2021. The field has proven natural gas reserves of over 150 billion cubic meters. The operations are at depths below 1,500 m, with well depths exceeding 5,000 m.
The SNOOS describes Shenxi-1 as the deepest and most challenging gas field of its type in China developed to date, with temperatures and pressures exceeding those known to date.
With all wells in operation, the field has reached its maximum design capacity, with expected annual gas production exceeding 4.5 billion cubic meters.
The deepwater natural gas is transported via onshore terminals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sanya in Hainan, and Jixi in Guangdong Province. From there, it supplies industrial and domestic settlements in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao and the harbor for the free-flowing Xinan.
The latter is also connected to the national gas pipeline network.