China’s Homemade Deepwater Rig Back in Action

China’s semi-submersible offshore drilling rig, Hai Yang Shi You 981, has returned to operations in the South China Sea, after it had undergone repairs following an oil leak found in a water pump room, Reuters has reported.

In an e-mail sent to the news agency, China’s state-run oil company CNOOC and the owner of the deepwater drilling rig said: “Leaks have been repaired and maintenance works finished. Offshore Oil 981 has returned to works at Liwan 3-1 gas field.”  

HYSY 981, the first of its kind designed and manufactured in China, has a maximum operating water depth of 3,000 meters and is capable of drilling 10,000 meters below the seabed.

The rig drilled its first deepwater well in in Liwan 6-1 district in the 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 deepwater drilling would contribute to ensuring the country’s energy security.

The South China Sea is estimated to contain one third of China’s total oil and gas resources.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, March 8, 2013