By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 14 -- Noble Energy Inc. initiated initial crude oil production Monday from Cheng Dao Xi field in Bohai Bay off China. The oil flowed from three wells at a combined rate of 6,000 b/d.
The production platform was designed to produce 10,000 b/d of oil. Production is expected to reach this capacity next month.
The field is on the south side of Bohai Bay in 25 ft of water (see map, OGJ, Dec. 17, 2001, p. 59). A 5 mile pipeline transports the oil to existing onshore processing and pipeline infrastructure in Shengli oil field.
Noble Energy, through its subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (China) Inc., has a 57% interest in Cheng Dax Xi field. China Petrochemical Corp. (Sinopec) is Noble Energy's partner with 43% interest.