OREANDA-NEWS. July 14, 2011. CNOOC Limited (the “Company”, NYSE: CEO, SEHK: 0883) announced that, on July 12th, a minor oil leak occurred in Suizhong (SZ) 36-1 oilfield, located in Bohai Bay. The leaking source was disconnected immediately. Till now, the oil sheen on the sea surface is being cleared effectively, reported the press-centre of CNOOC.

At 1:30 am of 12th July, SZ 36-1 oilfield was shut down due to equipment malfunction occurred at the central control system. The gas vented from the flare brought out a very small amount of oil to the sea when the process depressurized. According to initial estimate, the incident caused oil spill of 0.1 to 0.15 cubic meters, resulting in about one square kilometer of oil sheen.

After the incident occurred, CNOOC China Limited Tianjin branch immediately activated emergency response procedures to cut off the leaking source and recover the oil sheen. Till now, equipment malfunction has been fixed.

The Company will continue to closely monitor the production operations of all its oilfields. To avoid any oil spill incidents from happening in the future, the Company will further reinforce the risk management measures according to the notice issued by the State Oceanic Administration, which requires offshore oil producers to thoroughly scrutinize any spill risks and review their emergency planning.

SZ36-1 is an independent oilfield of the Company. CNOOC China Limited Tianjin branch is in charge of its daily operation and management.