Offshore Oilfield Drones (Large‑scale Operation + Air‑sea Integration + Inspection and Security)
First in China: Large‑scale Drone Operations Launched in Beibu Gulf Offshore Oilfields
On February 28, 2026, the drone system for the Beibu Gulf oilfields officially entered operation, covering 41 offshore platforms, 2 onshore terminals and more than 500 kilometers of subsea pipelines. Drones can conduct all‑weather inspections in winds below Force 7, completing in one hour the work that once took a full day for tugboats. They accurately detect pipeline leaks and illegal anchoring, and support emergency search and rescue as well as small‑item delivery. Total inspection mileage has exceeded 3,600 kilometers, efficiency increased by 30%, annual costs reduced by nearly 15 million yuan, and carbon emissions cut by 25,000 tons.
CNOOC: Building an Integrated Air‑sea Intelligent Operation Platform
CNOOC has partnered with China Southern Airlines Group to establish a standardized offshore drone system covering subsea pipeline inspection, logistics distribution and emergency security. Equipped with high‑definition and infrared cameras, drones transmit real‑time footage to onshore control centers, enabling precise detection of micron‑level leaks and violations.
