The Chinese government has allowed ConocoPhillips to restart production at an oilfield off the country’s Northeastern coast suspended after a spill in 2011.
The green light ends a record 17-month shutdown, which highlighted the industry’s risks in China as the government is under pressure to demonstrate tougher supervision in the face of growing public environmental awareness.
“Following a series of corrective measures including draining and pressure relief and maintenance, the Penglai 19-3 block has returned to normal conditions and fulfils the conditions for normal operations. The State Oceanic Administration agrees to allow Conoco to gradually implement operations related to resuming production,” the agency said.