On May 11, 2025, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), a state-owned oil and gas company, successfully completed a significant transport operation for an ultra-large floating production unit (FPU) weighing 100,000 tons. CNOOC described this float-on installation and towing operation as a global first, marking a milestone in offshore engineering. The operation, conducted entirely by CNOOC, utilized support vessels including Haiyang Shiyou 691 and Haiyang Shiyou 681. The FPU was constructed domestically in China, showcasing advanced engineering capabilities.

The company highlighted the project’s complexity, noting it as one of the most challenging and largest offshore engineering endeavors worldwide due to the unit’s weight and technical demands. This achievement underscores CNOOC’s expertise in managing sophisticated marine operations and contributes to the development of China’s offshore energy infrastructure.

In addition to its domestic efforts, CNOOC announced a major discovery in late March 2025 at the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield in the eastern South China Sea. This find added over 100 million tons of proved in-place oil equivalent, further strengthening the company’s resource portfolio and supporting its role in meeting energy demands.

CNOOC has also been active internationally. Earlier in May 2025, the company extended a contract with Wood, a global engineering firm, for the management of its Golden Eagle, Buzzard, and Scott assets in the North Sea. This extension reflects CNOOC’s commitment to maintaining and optimizing its overseas operations, ensuring sustained productivity in key international markets.

These developments highlight CNOOC’s growing influence in both domestic and global energy sectors, with a focus on advancing technology and expanding resource exploration. The successful FPU transport and recent oilfield discovery demonstrate the company’s ability to execute large-scale projects, while its international contracts emphasize a strategic approach to global energy markets.