China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC), a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), has recently signed a landmark engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract valued at up to $4 billion with Qatar Energy.
This contract is for work on the Bul Hanine offshore oilfield, located approximately 100 kilometres east of Qatar’s coastline in waters up to 40 meters deep. The deal represents the largest contract value held by a Chinese company for an offshore oil and gas engineering project in the Middle East.
Project Details
Under the scope of this contract, COOEC will deliver comprehensive EPC services, including design, procurement, construction, transportation, installation, and commissioning of over 60 offshore oil and gas facilities. The project also involves the laying of 40 subsea pipelines and cables.
In addition to new construction, COOEC will retrofit existing platforms and decommission obsolete facilities, reflecting the complexity and breadth of the work. The project will involve the processing of more than 130,000 tones of steel.
Project Timeline
Kick-off meetings for the Bul Hanine project have already taken place in Tianjin, China, and Singapore, marking a full-scale launch of this major international offshore EPC initiative. Scheduled for completion by mid-2031, the project is expected to set new standards for engineering and construction in offshore oilfield development.
Significance of the Contract
This contract signifies a major step in strengthening energy collaboration between China and Qatar and aligns with the broader Belt and Road Initiative aimed at fostering international infrastructure cooperation. The Bul Hanine project is a critical part of QatarEnergy’s strategy to expand its offshore production capacity and modernise its energy infrastructure.
Impact on Market and Company
China Offshore Oil Engineering Company’s role in this project highlights its growing influence and capabilities in the global offshore oil and gas sector. COOEC has also experienced positive developments in its order backlog, with overseas business reaching record highs this year despite some revenue and profit fluctuations in the early part of 2025.
Qatar’s Energy Ambitions
The Bul Hanine project underlines Qatar’s ambitions to maintain its position as a leading energy producer by upgrading key offshore assets and deploying advanced engineering technologies. The collaboration with a major global player like COOEC underscores the international confidence in Qatar’s energy sector and the continued relevance of Chinese engineering expertise in the Middle East market.
