Marking a significant breakthrough in marine engineering, China officially delivered its first self-designed and built integrated large-scale offshore fracturing vessel in Zhoushan of Zhejiang province on Tuesday.

The vessel fills a critical technical gap in China's offshore oil and gas fracturing stimulation technology and equipment. Its deployment is expected to substantially enhance the nation's offshore energy development capabilities and bolster national energy security, said the operator China National Offshore Oil Corporation.

Fracturing is a key technology for the efficient development of low-permeability resources. It involves using high-pressure pump groups to inject fluids into the wellbore, creating fractures in the reservoir once the pressure exceeds the formation threshold.

Boasting dimensions that place it at the top of its class globally, the vessel's size ranks first among similar offshore fracturing ships worldwide, it said.

The delivery of this vessel is particularly vital for tapping into China's abundant but difficult-to-access low-permeability oil and gas resources.

zhengxin@chinadaily.com.cn