China's pioneering Deep Sea No. 1 gas field has commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of energy security and showcasing its advanced capabilities in deepwater resource extraction.

The phase II project of this ultra-deepwater gas field, also known as Shenhai Yihao, began its operations in waters southeast of Hainan, China's southernmost island province, emphasizing China's growing expertise in complex offshore environments.

According to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, or CNOOC, the operator of the project, this new phase signifies that China is now among the world's leaders in developing oil and gas resources under challenging conditions.

Phase II has verified reserves exceeding 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas and will allow for a peak annual production capacity surpassing 1.5 billion cubic meters.

The comprehensive infrastructure of the project includes 12 deep-water gas wells and a processing platform weighing over 14,000 tonnes, supported by five subsea pipelines that extend approximately 250 kilometers.

With the full operation of Deep Sea No. 1, annual natural gas output is set to increase from 3 billion cubic meters to 4.5 billion cubic meters, positioning it as a vital contributor to China's energy supply and enhancing energy security.

Jiang Ping, general manager of CNOOC's Hainan branch, noted that the development of Phase II was a nine-year endeavor, which involved overcoming a plethora of challenges, including operating under extreme temperatures and high-pressure conditions.

Deep Sea No. 1 is strategically located 150 kilometers from Sanya City in Hainan and is designed to operate at depths greater than 1,500 meters, having commenced its initial production phase in June 2021.