CNOOC Limited announced today that the Appomattox Field in the US Gulf of Mexico has safely commenced production ahead of schedule.

Appomattox Field is located approximately 128 kilometers southeast of Louisiana in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico, with water depth of approximately 2,255 meters. Appomattox is the first commercial discovery now brought into production in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico Norphlet formation and has an expected peak production of 175,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Mr. Yuan Guangyu, CEO of CNOOC Limited commented, “We are very pleased with the commencement of production ahead of schedule, as well as the cost reduction that were achieved through optimization and innovation at Appomattox. Appomattox will become a new growth driver to our overseas production.”

CNOOC Petroleum Offshore U.S.A. Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 21% interest in the Appomattox Field. Shell Offshore Inc. is the operator and holds 79% interest.

About CNOOC

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (SEHK: 00883, NYSE: CEO, TSX: CNU), the largest offshore oil and gas producer in China, is a mega government owned company operating directly under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

About Royal Dutch Shell plc

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects.