China has taken a new step in strengthening its marine energy production following the full commencement of operations for the first phase of the Kenli 10-2 field, located in the southern Bohai Sea. The project, operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), is considered the country’s largest shallow marine lithological oil field.
The complex has proven geological reserves exceeding 100 million tons of crude oil and already surpasses 2,800 tons of daily production, further consolidating the strategic role of the Bohai Oilfield as China’s primary oil base.
A key development for offshore oil production
The Kenli 10-2 project represents the first discovery of a shallow lithological field with reserves exceeding 100 million tons within the depression of the Bohai Sea basin.
The first stage of development incorporated a central processing platform and two unmanned wellhead platforms. Likewise, the plan includes a total of 79 development wells aimed at maximizing crude recovery across different geological layers.
The infrastructure was designed to operate in a complex offshore environment where reserves are dispersedly distributed and possess variable geological characteristics.
Technologies applied at the Kenli 10-2 field
One of the most relevant aspects of the project is that Kenli 10-2 became the first offshore field in China to develop a branched heavy oil reservoir.
The crude oil is hosted in narrow, winding sand bodies that form branch-like structures. This configuration required CNOOC’s technical team to develop specific solutions to improve extraction and maintain balanced production.
To address these conditions, the operator implemented a combined model of thermal recovery and cold recovery. The company also applied individualized strategies for each reservoir and well network.
According to technical data released by Chinese and specialized media, some horizontal wells reach displacements exceeding 3,000 meters, allowing for an increased contact rate with the reservoir and optimizing hydrocarbon recovery.
Strategic production for China’s energy security
The full commissioning of Kenli 10-2 strengthens China’s offshore production capacity at a time when the country continues to promote the development of domestic resources to reduce its external energy dependence.
In addition to increasing oil extraction in the Bohai Sea, the project will serve as a technical reference for future offshore heavy crude developments in fields with high geological complexity.
CNOOC noted that current operations include active thermal recovery wells and cold extraction wells, allowing for stable production while optimizing the utilization of reserves.
Source: Xinhuanet
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