China's 1st submarine pipeline inspection cruiser delivered to Guangzhou

The first made-in-China submarine pipeline inspection cruiser was delivered to China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) by Guangzhou ship-builder CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company on July 4.

"The successful delivery of the cruiser will fill the gap in the inspection field of marine pipelines and cables. It is of great significance in ensuring China's oil and gas exploitation safety and marine environment protection," noted Wen Zhehua, general manager of CNOOC Energy Development of Equipment and Technology Company.

Marine Oil 791, China's first self-developed submarine pipeline inspection cruiser, is delivered to CNOOC by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company on July 4. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Marine Oil 791 is designed to inspect, investigate and handle emergencies of subsea oil-gas pipelines and cables. The 65-meter-long vessel is capable of cruising at a maximum speed of 13 knots, can carry a maximum load of 1,200 tons and has a range of 5,800 sea miles. Characterized by fast speed, strong maneuverability and sea-keeping ability as well as high measurement accuracy, it can work under all-weather conditions.

 Marine Oil 791 conducts a marine pipeline and cable examination. [Photo/Xinhua]

Subsea oil and gas pipelines are the lifeline of the offshore oil and gas fields. Marine oil 791 could be seen as a senior doctor for subsea pipelines, said Ding changjian, general manager of the cruiser's project team.

Compared with traditional research vessels, it is at low cost but with high efficiency and is proving more professional, he added.  

With the rapid development of gas and oil exploration CNOOC recently formed a compete fleet to conduct offshore oil operations, providing support and a guarantee that China will become a maritime power, remarked Yang Hua, chairman of CNOOC.

A photo of Marine Oil 791's remotely operated underwater vehicle. [Photo/Xinhua]