Asia's first cylindrical floating oil-gas production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility, "Haikui No. 1," is poised to begin its inaugural crude oil transfer operation at the Liuhua Oilfield in the Pearl River Mouth Basin of South China Sea after over 10 days of production activities.
The complex maneuver of connecting two floating vessels at sea requires advanced technology and meticulous planning, especially considering the stringent safety, stability, and flexibility requirements for oil tankers.
"The Liuhua Oilfield experiences frequent winter monsoons and summer internal waves. To adapt to conventional oil tanker operations, 'Haikui No. 1' has two innovatively designed offloading mouths in the northeast and southwest, based on the prevailing wind direction in the area. This allows for year-round offloading operation efficiency of over 90 percent," said Xue Ting, offloading supervisor for Haikui No. 1 of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
According to the captain of the "Beihai Kaituo," the tanker features multiple operational modes. When oil is transferred from "Haikui No. 1" to the tanker, the "Beihai Kaituo" is capable of effectively controlling its bow direction and performing lifting operations autonomously, said the captain, adding that the design significantly reduces operational risks compared to conventional vessels of this type, especially in extreme weather conditions, enhancing safety and increasing loading efficiency, with a single journey capable of transporting up to 450,000 barrels of crude oil.
Zhu Xiaoheng, general manager of CNOOC International Beihai Shipping, emphasized the significance of this development.
"The 'Beihai Kaituo' tanker represents a significant innovation in its adaption to the cylindrical FPSO capabilities, playing a crucial role in the efficient development of the country's deep-water oil and gas fields," he said.
China's cylindrical floating oil-gas facility poised to begin inaugural crude oil transfer
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
