CNOOC gears up for offshore challenge
China’s state-controlled offshore specialist is looking to bump up output again this year is it turns its attention to more-difficult assets
CNOOC’s plans to expand production after robust growth last year underline the growing importance of offshore fields for maintaining homegrown oil and gas supply, as the Chinese offshore specialist ramps up spending to convert deeper, more challenging resources into production assets. CNOOC aims to produce 700–720m boe this year, which would be an increase of 3.7–6.7% from last year’s higher-than-expected output of c.675m boe, according to the NOC’s recent annual strategy preview. The company had estimated a year ago that it would produce 650–660m boe for 2023. Looking ahead, CNOOC aims to ramp output to 780–800m boe in 2025 and 810–830m boe in 2026. The target range for next year is an impr
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






