China's First Deepwater LNG Pipe-Layer Sets Sail

China Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group has collaborated with China National Offshore Oil Corporation ("CNOOC") to complete construction of a 3,000-meter deepwater pipe laying crane vessel ("DPV") "HAI YANG SHI YOU 201."

The vessel has set sail for the "Liwan 3-1" gas field in the South China Sea today and will prepare for pipe laying works. "HAI YANG SHI YOU 201" not only deploys world-leading offshore engineering technology, but also marks the first self-design and self-build deepwater offshore engineering vessel project in China, advancing the nation's deepwater resources exploration strategy.

As the flagship of CNOOC's deepwater exploration fleet, "HAI YANG SHI YOU 201" is planned to arrive at the "Liwan 3-1" gas field in June after departing from Qingdao. The vessel is to collaborate with "HAI YANG SHI YOU 981", the deepwater semi-submersible drilling platform which started production in early May, and will prepare for pipe-laying works.

This collaboration marks the beginning of the practical stage of deepwater resources exploration for China. "HAI YANG SHI YOU 201" addresses a shortcoming in China's extraction of natural resources in deepwater areas. Together with other deepwater apparatus owned by CNOOC, the DPV extends CNOOC's development capability from a water depth of 300 meters to that of 3,000 meters. The DPV will definitely strengthen the deepwater exploration capability of CNOOC as one of the most advanced deepwater resources developers.