The China National Offshore Oil Company Limited (CNOOC Ltd.) said on Tuesday that another platform at the Peng Lai (PL) 19-3 oil field, China's largest offshore field, had come on stream.

Platform B is one of five platforms in phase II of PL 19-3.

Platforms A and C have started production, with D and E to commence production in succession, according to CNOOC Ltd.

Located in Block 11/05 in the Bohai Bay, the PL19-3 field was jointly developed by CNOOC Ltd. and ConocoPhillips China Inc. (COPC). CNOOC Ltd. holds a 51 percent interest in the field and COPC holds the remainder.

Phase II of the PL 19-3 field is a key 2008 project for CNOOC Ltd. The platforms will further boost the company's production, said executive vice president Liu Jian.

CNOOC Ltd. is the major listed subsidiary of the China National Offshore Oil Corp., China's largest offshore oil producer.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2008)