China’s First Deepwater Rig Undergoes Repairs After Minor Oil Leaks Found

China’s semi-submersible offshore drilling rig, HYSY 981, is undergoing repairs, after oil leaks have been discovered in the rig’s pump room, Reuters reports. The rig, owned by CNOOC, is the first and only deepwater drilling rig designed and built in China.

The news agency quoted CNOOC which said that the company was working to fix the problem as soon as possible in order to ensure safe deep-water operations.

“Minor leaks were found at one water pump room of ‘Offshore Oil 981’ during routine checks,” China’s state-run oil company told Reuters in an e-mail. The works are expected to be completed by the end of the month.

HYSY 981 has a maximum operating water depth of 3,000 meters and is capable of drilling 10,000 meters below the seabed. Using the HYSY 981, CNOOC spudded its first deepwater well in South China Sea in May 2012.

Being the world’s fastest growing economy has also turned China into the world’s largest energy consumer. China’s aim is to extract as much of its hydrocarbons reserves as possible in order to reduce oil imports.

CNOOC chairman Wang Yilin last year told Xinhua he hoped that the deepwater drilling would contribute to ensuring the country’s energy security.

[mappress]
Offshore Energy Today Staff, February 11, 2013