The core device of the "Deep Sea No. 1" gas field: the "Deep Sea No. 1" energy station. Photo by Xu Haizhou

People's Daily Haikou, January 29 (Liu Yang) According to the latest news from China National Offshore Oil Corporation on the 29th, my country's first ultra-deepwater gas field "Deep Sea No. 1" produces a total of more than 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas and produces more than 1 million cubic meters of condensate, of which the natural gas output in 2024 exceeded 3.2 billion cubic meters, and the natural gas output has remained above 3 billion cubic meters for three consecutive years, with high yields and stable production in operation.

The second phase of the new comprehensive treatment platform of the "Deep Sea No. 1" is connected to the Yacheng 13-1 gas field production platform to form a "four-star continuous bead" at sea. Photo by Judy

It is reported that the "Deep Sea No. 1" gas field located in southern Hainan is divided into phase one and phase two development and construction. The first phase project was put into production in June 2021, and the second phase project was put into production in September 2024. The total proven natural gas geological reserves of the two phases projects exceeded 150 billion cubic meters. The maximum operating water depth of the "Deep Sea No. 1" gas field exceeds 1,500 meters, the maximum well depth is more than 5,000 meters, the maximum formation temperature reaches 138 degrees Celsius, and the maximum formation pressure exceeds 69 megapas, which is equivalent to 1,000 times the working pressure of a household pressure cooker. It is the deep-water gas field with the deepest operating water depth, the highest formation temperature pressure, and the most difficult exploration and development by my country so far.

The on-site operation team of the "Deep Sea No. 1" inspects the core equipment of the platform's power facilities. Photo by Wu Xiansong

According to reports, the continuous stable and high yield of the "Deep Sea No. 1" ultra-deep water gas field is inseparable from the high-level deep-water drilling completion technology research and technological innovation during the construction period. The first and second phases of the project have overcome many technical problems such as safe drilling of deep-water complex wells, wellbore integrity, reservoir protection, efficient sand prevention, and intelligent completion, making my country's deep-water drilling completion technology reach the international advanced level as a whole, and providing strong technical support for the independent exploration and development of deep-water oil and gas resources in my country. Through the development and construction of the first and second phases of "Deep Sea No. 1", my country has explored and established a complete ultra-deep water gas field operation and maintenance management system, technical system and talent training system. While ensuring high and stable production in deep-water gas fields, it is expected to promote economic and efficient development of more deep-water oil and gas resources.