OREANDA-NEWS. July 10, 2013. CNOOC Limited has selected Emerson Process Management to provide process automation, safety, and asset management technology for a gas production project in the South China Sea.

The deepwater project includes the Liwan 3-1 field, jointly developed by CNOOC and Canada Husky Energy Inc., and the CNOOC-developed Panyu 34-1 field. CNOOC will use Emerson’s DeltaV digital process automation system and DeltaV SIS™ process safety system to manage operations from the Panyu 34-1 offshore platform.

The project, CNOOC’s first entry into deepwater development, is a major milestone for the company. "We selected Emerson for its numerous advanced technologies and process control solutions, as well as its extensive offshore engineering experience," said Liang Yu, project general manager for CNOOC. "This is one kind of partner we need as we stride forward into deep-sea production – especially on large, complex projects with high safety and reliability requirements like this one."

Emerson and CNOOC have had a strategic cooperation framework agreement since 2011. The agreement was recently renewed and expanded to include a full array of Emerson products and services.

SweeChee Lee, president of Emerson China, said, "CNOOC is a leading player in China’s offshore engineering field, one that recognizes the value of innovation. Helping CNOOC create more value in this project is a key objective in our partnering role as process control solutions provider."

The project will have a 30-year lifespan, with first production expected in May 2014.