China's Major Offshore Oil Discovery in South China Sea
Huizhou, Thursday, 3 April 2025.
China discovers the Huizhou 19-6 oil field in the South China Sea with 110 million tons of oil reserves, paving the way for enhanced energy security and global dynamic shifts.
Landmark Discovery Details
On March 31, 2025, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced a significant discovery in the South China Sea, with the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield containing proven reserves exceeding 100 million tons of oil [1][2]. The discovery well, designated HZ19-6-3, was drilled to an impressive depth of 5,415 meters, revealing 127 meters of oil and gas pay zones [2]. Initial testing has demonstrated promising results, with daily production reaching 413 barrels of crude oil and 68,000 cubic meters of natural gas [3].
Strategic Location and Technical Achievement
Located approximately 170 kilometers off the coast of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield sits at an average water depth of 100 meters [2][3]. Notably, this discovery lies within China’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from its coast, placing it outside disputed territories [3]. CNOOC’s Chief Geologist, Xu Changgui, has confirmed this as the largest integrated clastic oilfield discovered in the northern South China Sea [4].
Environmental and Economic Implications
While this discovery strengthens China’s energy security, it presents a complex challenge to the nation’s environmental commitments. China has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 [2]. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the risks associated with ultra-deep drilling operations, particularly regarding potential impacts on marine ecosystems [2]. The development of this field will require careful balance between energy security needs and environmental responsibilities [1].
Future Prospects and Development
CNOOC CEO Zhou Xinhuai has emphasized that the company has experienced successive breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration in the eastern South China Sea over the past two years [3][4]. The company has committed to strengthening its efforts in oil and gas development to consolidate its resource base [4]. This discovery is particularly significant as it represents China’s first large-scale integrated clastic oilfield in deep to ultra-deep strata, despite the technical challenges posed by high temperatures and pressures at such depths [3].