Applus+ in China supports CNOOC’s deepwater Lingshui 25-1 Project

As part of this strategic initiative, Applus+ in China was entrusted with the offshore inspection of subsea equipment under a three-year exclusive agreement with CNOOC’s Hainan Branch. This collaboration culminated in the successful completion of the project in 2024. In recognition of its exceptional contribution, CNOOC honored the Applus+ project team with the “Outstanding Contribution to Millions Working Hour” award.

Global coordination and technical expertise

Managing specialized oil and gas equipment inspection across multiple international locations presented unique challenges. Applus+ successfully conducted inspections at 21 manufacturing facilities spanning six countries, showcasing the company's global operational capability and commitment to quality assurance.

The scope of inspected products was broad and technically demanding, including subsea valves, umbilicals, subsea control modules, corrosion monitoring systems, single—and multi-channel connectors, UTA (Umbilical Termination Assemblies), hydraulic power units (HPUs), and electrical power units. Each component required strict adherence to quality control standards and inspection protocols.

Tackling complexity through planning and expertise

The success of the inspection campaign can be attributed to several key factors:

• Clear project management structure: in close collaboration with CNOOC, Applus+ formed a dedicated and well-organized project management team. Clear roles and responsibilities were defined across departments, enabling a smooth and coordinated execution of inspection tasks.
• Continuous pptimization of project control: given the number of components, complex inspection protocols, and simultaneous activity at multiple sites, Applus+ continuously refined project workflows to ensure efficiency. As new challenges arose, the team maintained a flexible and adaptive approach to optimize the Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).
• Effective communication and client engagement: a cornerstone of project success was consistent and proactive communication. The Applus+ coordination team maintained regular contact with CNOOC, delivering real-time updates, sharing insights from past experiences, and responding promptly to evolving inspection needs—even during weekends and holidays.
• Ongoing inspector training: to meet the high standards of deepwater equipment inspections, Applus+ provided continuous training to its inspectors. This ensured that personnel remained up to date with evolving industry standards and inspection technologies, allowing them to address technical challenges with confidence and precision.

A testament to Applus+ excellence

Between 2023 and 2024, Applus+ in China delivered robust inspection services across more than 20 global manufacturing facilities. By drawing on the organization’s multinational experience and technical strength, the team overcame logistical and engineering complexities to ensure the integrity and reliability of critical subsea equipment.

Looking ahead, Applus+ remains dedicated to delivering high-quality inspection and technical services with professionalism, efficiency, and responsibility, continuing to support the success of key infrastructure projects across the energy sector.