CNOOC announces 'mid-sized' gas discovery in Bohai

China National Offshore Oil Corp. said Monday it made a natural gas discovery while drilling in the shallow waters of the south central Bohai Bay. CNOOC said it made the "mid-sized" natural gas discovery while drilling in waters about 80 feet deep. The company said in a statement the discovery measured about 300 feet thick and produced around 14.2 million cubic feet per day during testing. State-owned CNOOC said in a January forecast it expects to produce a combined 73,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from its Kenli and Qinhuangdao oil fields in Bohai Bay this year. The company said the discovery, designated Bozhong 22-1, demonstrates "good prospects" for future exploration in the region. CNOOC gave no indication of production forecasts or designation for Bohai gas. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said in its March report China was taking on more energy production to keep pace with its expanding economy.