Production has started ahead of schedule at the Weizhou 6-13 oil field in the South China Sea’s Beibu Gulf, CNOOC said March 20.

“Weizhou 6-13 oil field not only commenced production ahead of schedule, but also exceeded its ODP’s [overall development plan] estimates in both reserves and production,” CNOOC CEO Yuan Guangyu said in a news release. “This is attributable to the company’s efforts in strengthening of its innovation and technology-driven philosophy and reinforcing its quality and efficiency enhancements.”

There are seven wells in production at the field, where peak production of about 9,400 barrels of crude oil per day (bbl/d) is anticipated in 2019. The amount exceed the field’s ODP approximately 3,000 bbl/d.

The project also included the construction of one wellhead platform.

CNOOC holds 100% interest in the field.