Offshore China oil field first to be powered from shore at startup

HONG KONG — CNOOC has started production from its Wushi 23-5 oilfield development in the Beibu Gulf area of the South China Sea, in 28 m water depth.

Main facilities comprise two new wellhead platforms and the upgrade Wushi reception terminal. Eventually the company plans to bring 28 oil wells and 15 water injectors onstream, with peak production of about 18,100 boe/d of light crude.

It is also the first oilfield development offshore China to be supplied with power from shore. The project should also lead to full-process recovery and use of the associated gas through an integrated natural gas treatment system.