The Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project (Phase I) has officially begun production, marking a significant milestone for CNOOC Limited and the nation's energy sector.
CNOOC Limited announced on July 21, the successful commencement of production at its Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project (Phase I). This pivotal moment signifies the operational launch of the largest shallow lithological oilfield situated offshore China.
The Kenli 10-2 project is located in the southern Bohai Sea, an area characterized by an average water depth of approximately 20 meters. The development infrastructure for Phase I is robust, featuring a newly constructed central platform complemented by two wellhead platforms. This design efficiently integrates with existing adjacent facilities, optimizing resource utilization and operational synergy.
A total of 79 development wells are slated for commissioning as part of this phase. This comprehensive drilling program includes 33 cold recovery wells, 24 thermal recovery wells, 21 water injection wells, and one dedicated water source well. The project is poised to reach its peak production capacity of approximately 19,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026. The crude oil produced from this field is characterized as heavy crude.
The Kenli 10-2 Oilfield holds particular significance as it represents the first lithological oilfield in the shallow depression zone of the Bohai Bay Basin to boast a proved in-place volume exceeding 100 million tons. Its development strategy, termed "exploration and development integration, regional coordination, and phased implementation," is being executed in two distinct phases. CNOOC Limited has pioneered an innovative combined development approach, which integrates "conventional water injection + steam huff and puff + steam flooding."
This advanced methodology provides crucial technical support for the efficient and effective utilization of the substantial oil reserves. Equipped with over 240 sets of key equipment, it stands as one of the most intricate production platforms in the Bohai region and is notably the first large-scale thermal recovery platform specifically designed for heavy oil operations in the southern Bohai Sea.
CNOOC Limited maintains a 100% interest in the Kenli 10-2 Oilfields Development Project (Phase I) and serves as its sole operator, reinforcing its leadership in offshore oil and gas exploration and production within China. This successful launch further solidifies the company's position as a key player in the global energy landscape, particularly in the challenging domain of heavy oil recovery.
