The six-generation semi-submersible CNOOC 981 made its first deep-water drill at a depth of 1,500 meters in the South China Sea on Wednesday. This is the first independent deep-water drilling rig developed in China, marking "a substantial step" made by the country's deep-sea oil industry.

The rig is developed to work at deepest 3,000 meters under water, with the maximum drilling depth reaching 10,000 meters. It stands 137 meters high, equivalent to the height of a 45-floor building.

The frontal view of the CNOOC 981, China’s first deep-water drilling rig developed by China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), in the South China Sea, May 9, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]