China-built Offshore Drilling Platform Completes Its First Deep-water Development Well

The sixth generation deep-water semi-submarine drilling platform - HAI YANG SHI YOU 981 - recently completed development of its first deep-water well since it went into operation in 2012.

The high angle directional well, located in the eastern South China Sea, is 4,660 meters deep, with 2,529 meters of vertical depth.

It is the first deep-water development well completed on a Chinese offshore drilling platform.

According to Zhao Chunyan, manager of the platform, all natural gas produced here will be sent to Gaolan of Zhuhai, Guangdong province, to support the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"Deep-water" refers to water depths of 500 meters to 1,500 meters. The water depth of the well is 680 meters, so that after adding in the well track's high deviation and long horizontal displacement accuracy was a challenge to the operational skills of project staffers and the performance of the equipment.

Constructors of the deep-water well worked together. They made detailed plans, strengthened technical staff training and strictly followed orders and plans, which guaranteed safe and efficient construction.

The HAI YANG SHI YOU 981 platform started deep-water well projects in the South China Sea area after it was completed in 2012 and in 2015 its first exploratory well in Southeast Asia, which is 1,721 meters deep, was completed.

To date, 32 exploratory wells have been constructed on the platform, which is important experience for China's deep-water development well construction.

HAI YANG SHI YOU 981 in service on the ocean. [Photo/China National Offshore Oil Corporation]

(Executive editor: Li Shuling)