CNOOC Ltd. has announced a major ultra-deep-water gas exploration in the Lingshui 36-1 gas field located in the western South China Sea. The gas field, with a 1,500-meter water depth, has been tested to produce over 10 million cubic meters per day (mmcm/d) of open-flow natural gas, according to CNOOC’s press release.

Notably, the main gas-bearing play is the Ledong Formation of Quaternary, with an average burial depth of 210 meters.

“The exploration in ultra-deep water ultra-shallow gas plays in the South China Sea is faced with world-class engineering and technical challenges. The successful testing of Lingshui 36-1 is a breakthrough for the exploration in such plays,” said Xu Changgui, Deputy Chief Exploration Officer of the Company.

“The Company will continue to tackle the challenges on the exploration and development of the resources in such plays, to expedite the utilization of natural gas in deep waters,” Changgui added.

In the same context, CEO and President of the Company, Zhou Xinhuai has emphasized the importance of south China Sea to boost the country’s natural gas reserves and production.

“The successful testing of Lingshui 36-1 further expands the resource base for the development of a trillion-cubic-meters gas region in South China Sea,” said Xinhuai.

“CNOOC Limited will continue to step up exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources in South China Sea and to enhance our capacity of energy supply,” he added.