Beijing, August 31, 2024
A New Milestone in Offshore Drilling Technology
China has achieved a significant breakthrough in offshore oil and gas drilling technology, setting a new national record for single-day drilling footage. On August 20, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced that it had reached a daily footage of 2,138 meters, marking the highest single-day drilling speed for an offshore oil and gas well in the country.
This achievement underscores the rapid advancements China has made in offshore drilling technology, particularly in the challenging marine environment. The new record is a testament to the country’s commitment to enhancing its energy production capabilities and ensuring the efficient extraction of offshore resources.
Overcoming Unique Challenges
The well in question is a natural gas exploration well designed to reach a depth of over 3,600 meters. The project faced several unique challenges, including high temperatures at the bottom of the well, which reached up to 162 degrees Celsius. The well also required drilling through multiple layers of rock from different geological periods, each presenting its own set of challenges.
Additionally, the site experienced abnormal pressure gradients, which are critical factors that must be managed carefully to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the operation. Despite these challenges, CNOOC successfully completed the drilling, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
A Year of Progress
The new record is a significant achievement in a year that has seen substantial progress in offshore drilling speeds. Since the beginning of the year, China has seen a marked improvement in its drilling efficiency, with the single-well daily footage surpassing the 2,000-meter mark for the first time. This progress is indicative of the ongoing efforts to optimize drilling operations and reduce the time and cost associated with offshore exploration.
CNOOC has been particularly proactive in this regard, managing to break its own record twice within a month. By capitalizing on favorable operational conditions, the company has achieved high-quality results in its drilling tasks, contributing to the overall success of the offshore oil and gas industry.
Achievements in the Fourteenth Five-Year Plan Period
The new record comes against the backdrop of significant achievements in the Fourteenth Five-Year Plan period. During this time, China has made substantial progress in increasing its offshore oil and gas reserves and production. The country’s average annual offshore drilling count has reached nearly 1,000 wells, representing a 40% increase compared to the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan period.
Moreover, the number of wells drilled in new fields such as deep and ultra-deep waters, high-temperature and high-pressure environments, has doubled compared to the previous period. The overall efficiency of drilling and completion operations has also improved by 15%, showcasing the industry’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.
Conclusion
The new record set by CNOOC is a clear indication of China’s growing prowess in offshore oil and gas drilling. It highlights the country’s ability to overcome complex challenges and push the boundaries of technology. As China continues to invest in research and development, it is likely that more such milestones will be achieved in the future, further巩固 its position as a leading player in the global energy market.
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