CNOOC Ltd. commenced production from an oil field in the South China Sea, the company said Sept. 21.

The field, Enping 18-1, is located in the Pearl River Mouth Basin with an average water depth of about 90 m (295 ft). Currently, the project is producing about 2,010 barrels per day (bbl/d) of crude oil from three wells.

The project is expected to reach its ODP designed peak production of about 11,800 bbl/d of crude oil within the year, according to the release.

In addition to fully utilize the existing facilities of Enping 24-2 oilfield, the project teamed up with Enping 23-1, Enping 23-2 and Enping 23-7 oil field for regional joint development, the release said.

The Enping 18-1 is an independent oil field in which CNOOC holds 100% interest and acts as the operator.