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With More Than 10,000 Kilometers of Pipelines Installed Under the Sea, China Accelerates the Construction of Its Submarine Energy Network and Aims for Self-Sufficiency, Reducing External Dependence and Expanding Dominance in Offshore Energy
China’s submarine network expansion has reached an impressive milestone: more than 10,000 kilometers of pipelines have been installed under the sea, driving the country’s move towards energy self-sufficiency.
The infrastructure, essential for connecting offshore energy platforms, is a key component of Beijing’s plans to ensure self-supply and reduce dependence on imports.
The Advancement of Offshore Energy
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The strategy is clear: explore the ocean’s potential to generate wind, floating solar, natural gas, and oil energy.
This new energy frontier is accompanied by megaprojects, like the Chaozhou wind farm and large solar plants installed over water.
Furthermore, the country is drilling for oil at increasingly deeper levels.
These initiatives aim for two strategic goals. The first is to enhance national energy autonomy. The second is to drive decarbonization, using renewable sources to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Thus, submarine pipelines become vital for connecting maritime infrastructure with onshore processing plants.
A Network of Submarine Pipelines That Extends Across the Sea
The new Chinese network stands out both for its length and depth. Between 2021 and 2025, more than 1,500 kilometers of pipelines were added to the national system.
Some extend into ultra-deep regions, reaching 1,500 meters below the ocean surface.
These pipelines vary significantly in size. There are models with less than three centimeters in diameter and others with up to 120 centimeters — the equivalent of the width of a 50-inch TV.
This variety allows the country to transport different types of fuel and adapt to the most extreme maritime conditions.
The Hohai Bay Project and the Deep Sea No.1 Field
Among the notable projects is that of Hohai Bay. This area houses the country’s densest pipeline network, with over 3,200 kilometers dedicated to transporting crude oil and natural gas.
Another milestone is the Deep Sea No.1 project, the first ultra-deep gas field developed entirely by China.
Located 1,500 meters deep, it symbolizes the nation’s technical capability to operate in environments previously dominated by foreign companies.
To meet such demand, the country created the Hai Yang Shi You 201 ship — a maritime crane specialized in installing pipelines at depths of up to 3,000 meters.
With this, China has begun to carry out operations alone that previously depended on international technology.
Extreme Strength Engineering
The installed pipelines must withstand severe conditions. They are designed to resist the pressure and high temperatures of ocean depths.
Additionally, they receive anti-corrosive treatment and are capable of transporting fluids that reach 120 °C.
Each segment of the network is about four centimeters thick, ensuring the durability needed to operate in hostile regions with significant temperature variations.
This technical robustness is essential because the Chinese goal involves further expanding the network.
Submarine Pipelines: Aiming for 13,000 Kilometers by 2030
The country does not intend to slow down. By 2030, the goal is to exceed 13,000 kilometers of submarine pipelines.
The expansion will strengthen energy transport and ensure a constant supply for offshore plants, which are multiplying along the coast.
Moreover, China is already studying the use of these pipelines to transport so-called “green” fuels, such as hydrogen and shale gas.
The latter has gained relevance following recent discoveries of large reserves that could bolster the country’s energy transition.
Ultimately, China’s submarine pipelines represent much more than engineering.
They are a symbol of technological advancement, energy ambition, and the quest for total independence in the world’s most strategic economic sector.
With information from Xataka.
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