China’s ambitious Shenhai Yihao project heralded as the country’s first domestically developed ultra-deep-water gas field, marked a significant milestone with the completion of the onshore manufacturing of its integrated processing platform in Qingdao, Shandong province, ahead of schedule.
Operated by China Offshore Oil Engineering Co Ltd, the Shenhai Yihao project commenced production in June 2021 and boasts a natural gas-proven reserve exceeding 100 billion cubic meters. Positioned as the deepest and most challenging offshore ultra-deep-water gas field independently developed by China, its second phase represents a substantial leap in the nation’s offshore energy capabilities.
Situated in the Qiongdongnan Basin in the northern South China Sea, approximately 132 kilometers from Sanya, Hainan province, the project’s second phase operates at a water depth nearing 1,000 meters.
The integrated processing platform, comprising a jacket and top block, stands at a towering height of around 136 meters, weighing 12,215 tons. Notably, the top block features two parts, east and west, boasting a deck plane measuring 57.5 meters in length and 36 meters in width.
Guo Qing, the general contractor project manager of Shenhai Yihao Phase II, highlighted the incorporation of domestically produced equipment with independent intellectual property rights. Key features include 7-megawatt gas turbine generator sets and China’s largest domestic offshore platform section plug flow trap, crucial for ensuring the reliable operation of oil and gas processing equipment.
The project encompasses 13 key facilities, including the innovative integrated processing platform, an underwater production system, submarine pipelines, and umbilical cables. The project involves the deployment of 12 development wells, with a focus on three deep-water high-pressure wells.
Upon commencement of production, the Shenhai Yihao project is poised to significantly augment China’s energy output, increasing peak annual gas production by 50%. Positioned as a vital contributor to China’s energy security, the project underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its offshore energy exploration and development capabilities.
