Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 29, On September 28, 2025, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced that the total length of China’s submarine oil and gas pipelines has exceeded 10,000 kilometers. This milestone highlights significant advancements in the country’s engineering technology and equipment capabilities for offshore energy infrastructure.

Workers laying pipelines of the phase II project of China's first independently developed ultra-deepwater energy station, Shenhai-1.

Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), CNOOC has overseen the construction of over 1,500 kilometers of submarine pipelines, with operations extending to a record depth of 1,542 meters. “China has achieved a transition from shallow to ultra-deep water operations in terms of submarine pipelines,” CNOOC stated, underscoring the progress in deep-sea engineering expertise.

As China’s leading offshore oil and gas producer, CNOOC has partnered with domestic universities, research institutions, and enterprises across the industry to drive technological innovation. These collaborations have enhanced original research and development, positioning China as a global leader in submarine pipeline technology. The pipelines, ranging from 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) to 48 inches in diameter, reflect advanced engineering standards comparable to international benchmarks.

The expansion of submarine pipelines supports China’s growing energy infrastructure, enabling efficient transport of oil and gas from offshore fields. CNOOC emphasized its commitment to further improving core technologies for pipeline engineering, optimizing operational equipment, and advancing digital and intelligent solutions for the sector. These efforts aim to enhance efficiency and sustainability in offshore energy operations.

The milestone aligns with China’s broader objectives to strengthen its energy sector through technological advancements. “CNOOC will continue to enhance core technological capabilities for submarine pipeline engineering, improve the sequence of operational equipment, and accelerate the intelligent and digital transformation of the sector,” the company noted. This focus is expected to bolster the reliability and capacity of China’s offshore energy network, supporting domestic energy needs and industrial growth.