Record-Breaking Production for China's Largest Offshore Oilfield
The Bohai Oilfield, China's largest offshore oil and gas production base, has announced a historic achievement, producing over 40 million tonnes of oil equivalent in 2025. This milestone sets a new annual record for the oilfield, operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), and underscores its critical role in the nation's energy landscape.
The announcement, made by CNOOC on Sunday, December 21, 2025, highlights the oilfield's sustained growth and its increasing contribution to China's energy independence. As the country's leading offshore oilfield in terms of both output and scale, this record production is expected to provide robust support for national energy security and high-quality economic and social development.
Strategic Importance and Consistent Growth
The Bohai Oilfield, established in 1965, has been a cornerstone of China's offshore petroleum industry. It currently manages more than 60 producing oil and gas fields and over 200 production facilities. Its cumulative crude oil output has now surpassed 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, the oilfield has demonstrated consistent expansion, with its oil and gas production growing by an average of 5 percent annually. This growth accounts for nearly 40 percent of the national increase in crude oil output, solidifying its position as a key player in enhancing domestic oil and gas reserves and production capacity.
According to Zhang Zongchao, production manager at CNOOC's Tianjin branch, the oilfield has focused on enhancing production capacity throughout the year, rapidly bringing multiple key projects online. These include the Kenli 10-2 and Bozhong 26-6 fields, among other 100 million-ton fields. The oilfield is currently producing over 100,000 tonnes of oil and gas per day, representing more than 60 percent of China's total offshore oil and gas output.
Advancements in Technology and Sustainability
CNOOC has also emphasized the Bohai Oilfield's commitment to digital and green transformation. Significant breakthroughs have been made in the localization of key equipment, including the deployment of China's first domestically developed shallow-water subsea production system. Furthermore, over 80 percent of the oilfields within the Bohai Oilfield have been successfully connected to onshore power sources, reflecting efforts towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations.
This record output aligns with broader national energy goals, as China's oil and gas production is expected to reach a new high in 2025, with crude oil production potentially reaching 215 million tons, the highest level in history. The Bohai Oilfield's performance is a crucial component of this national achievement, reinforcing China's domestic energy supply capabilities.
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