COOEC hits $7bn Middle East milestone with QatarEnergy offshore deal
Chinese contractor secures EPCI work on Maydan Mahzam redevelopment, including 100km of subsea pipelines.
China’s offshore engineering firm CNOOC Engineering (COOEC) has been awarded a key contract for the redevelopment of QatarEnergy’s Maydan Mahzam oil field, marking another milestone in its expanding Middle East portfolio. The deal pushes the total value of COOEC’s contracts in the region over the past three years to more than RMB 50 billion ($7 billion).
The contract, known as the EPIC2 package, covers engineering, procurement, construction, and installation work for the offshore project. COOEC’s responsibilities include laying over 100 kilometers of subsea pipelines, cables, and umbilicals, as well as installing related offshore infrastructure.
Scope of the Maydan Mahzam redevelopment: Middle East
The Maydan Mahzam field, located 110 kilometers northeast of Qatar’s mainland, has been in production since 1965. QatarEnergy’s redevelopment plans aim to extend its lifespan through 45 new wells, modifications to existing wellhead jackets, the addition of at least one new wellhead jacket, and upgrades to subsea pipelines and other infrastructure.
This award follows a separate contract awarded to PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC) in September, which includes design, procurement, construction, and commissioning work across the field’s Arab A, B, C, and D reservoirs. While PTSC has not disclosed the contract’s value, reports suggest it could be worth approximately $3 billion.
Strategic significance for COOEC and QatarEnergy
The Maydan Mahzam project highlights QatarEnergy’s focus on revitalizing mature oil fields to maintain production levels amid sustained global demand for hydrocarbons. For COOEC, the contract reinforces its position as a major player in the Middle East’s offshore engineering sector, demonstrating its ability to secure high-value projects in a competitive market.
The redevelopment strategy—combining new wells, infrastructure upgrades, and reservoir enhancements—could serve as a model for similar projects in the region. As energy companies seek to maximize returns from existing assets, such approaches are likely to gain prominence, positioning COOEC as a key partner in future offshore developments.
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