CNOOC staff returning offshore China following Typhoon Yagi

Typhoon Yagi, which swept through eastern and western parts of the South China Sea, did not cause major structural damage at any of CNOOC’s offshore production facilities.

Prior to the storm’s arrival, activated its typhoon emergency plan with staff evacuated from offshore platforms. In total the company mobilized 289 helicopters and 51 vessels to ensure safe removal of over 8,600 personnel.

At the same time, it activated the typhoon mode at platforms where applicable so that their operations could be remotely controlled, in order to maintain oil production and reduce losses.

When Yagi landed, a strong wind of level 17 and above was recorded in certain operating areas. But the overall offshore facilities withstood the buffeting, with no reported casualties or significant damage.

CEO and president Zhou Xinhuai said: “Currently, the staff are returning to work in an orderly manner and restarting the production of oil and gas fields. We will resume normal production as soon as possible, and optimize our production plans, so that we can meet our annual production target.”