KazMunayGas (KMG) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) have officially launched a comprehensive 3D seismic survey campaign at Kazakhstan's Caspian block. The operation marks a major step forward in the joint exploration efforts by the two national oil companies to unlock new hydrocarbon reserves in the geologically complex offshore region.
The campaign falls under the Zhylyoi joint exploration project, located in the transit zone of the northeastern Caspian Sea. As outlined in a July 2026 strategic update between KMG Head Askhat Khassenov and CNOOC Chairman Chuanjiang Zhang, the current field operations encompass a 400-square-kilometre 3D seismic survey. This is running concurrently with efforts to reprocess and reinterpret 400 linear kilometres of historical 2D seismic data.
The newly acquired high-resolution seismic data will be rigorously processed and interpreted to evaluate the subsurface structural geometry and delineate potential geological traps. Building on a formal Geological Exploration Agreement initially signed in October 2024, the results will directly inform and de-risk the partnership's future drilling targets, specifically determining the exact locations for two planned exploration wells with targeted depths of 2,000 metres and 4,500 metres.
The Zhylyoi project is being implemented on a 50/50 parity basis, with CNOOC fully financing the exploration period. Notably, this marks the first time CNOOC has entered Kazakhstan specifically for exploration investment. As part of this deepening strategic alignment, KMG and CNOOC subsidiaries are also actively collaborating on drilling technologies, well services, and technology transfer.
(Sources: Trend News Agency, KazMunayGas; Image courtesy of KazMunayGas)
