CNOOC's Unmanned Rig: A Leap in Offshore Production

CNOOCs Xijiang Oilfields project: A strategic move towards high-quality output and automationCNOOC Limited has initiated production at the Xijiang Oilfields twenty-four block development project, a shallow-water offshore site in the Pearl River Mouth Basin. The project features a new unmanned wellhead platform, Xijiang twenty-four dash seven, which is Chinas first unmanned offshore rig with special high-temperature fluid cooling. This system protects subsea pipelines and ensures steady production.The project includes ten production wells and is expected to reach a peak of around eighteen thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026. The light crude oil output aligns with CNOOCs focus on high-quality production in mature areas.This launch demonstrates CNOOCs strategic approach of brownfield tie-backs, using nearby setups to expedite projects and reduce costs. The unmanned technology also reflects a broader trend among Chinese offshore operators towards automation and digital tools to lower operating costs and enhance reliability.This project is part of Chinas push for secure domestic oil and gas, as onshore growth slows and imports remain high. For CNOOC, its another significant step in their offshore development strategy, leveraging new technology to achieve long-term production goals.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.