The Dongfang1-1 gas field Phase I adjustment project in the South China Sea has commenced production ahead of schedule, CNOOC Ltd. (NYSE: CEO) said in a news release.

The field is located in Yinggehai Basin of Beibu Gulf in the South China Sea with an average water depth of about 70 m. In addition to fully utilizing the existing facilities of Dongfang1-1, this adjustment project has also built one wellhead platform, according to the release. There are seven producing wells in total with five wells currently producing about 53 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

The adjustment project is expected to reach its peak production of about 54 million cubic feet per day in this year.

CNOOC holds 100% interest in the gas field and acts as the operator.