SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ----------- FORM 6-K ----------- REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For August 19, 2002 CNOOC Limited (Translation of registrant's name into English) -------------------------------------------------- 65th Floor Bank of China Tower One Garden Road Central, Hong Kong (Address of principal executive offices) -------------------------------------------------- (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F) Form 20-F X Form 40-F --------- ---------- (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.) Yes No X --------- ---------- (If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A.) Company Press Release --------------------- CNOOC's Successful Gas Appraisal In South China Sea (Hong Kong, August 19, 2002) - CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 883; NYSE: CEO) announced today that a successful appraisal well, YCH13-4-2, will add gas reserves in Western South China Sea. YCH13-4-2, drilled on the YCH13-4 discovery, is located about 27km north of YCH13-1 gas field. The well produced about 20 million cubic feet of gas per day on 16 mm choke during drill stem tests. The Company owns 100% of the discovery. *** *** *** Notes to Editors: CNOOC LIMITED - BACKGROUND Incorporated in Hong Kong in August 1999, CNOOC Limited (SEHK: 883; NYSE: CEO) is the dominant producer of crude oil and natural gas offshore China. CNOOC Limited is also one of the largest independent crude oil and gas exploration and production companies in the world. As of December 31, 2001, its net proved reserves were 1.8 billion barrels-of-oil equivalents and its net production totaled 261,379 BOE per day. CNOOC Limited has interests in 45 crude oil and gas properties in four major producing areas: Bohai Bay, Western South China Sea, Eastern South China Sea and East China Sea. The Company is a major oil and gas company in China with slightly over 1,000 employees. The Company has become the largest offshore producer in Indonesia after the acquisition of Indonesian assets. *** *** *** This press release contains statements that are not historical facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations of the directors of CNOOC Ltd. (the Company). These forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the directors of the Company undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to changes, of the PRC's economic, political and social conditions as well as government policies. *** *** *** For further enquiries, please contact: Mr. Xiao Zongwei CNOOC Limited Tel: +86 10 8452 1646 Fax: +86 10 8452 1441 E-mail: xiaozw@cnooc.com.cn ------------------- Ms Anne Lui / Mr. Henry Chua Ketchum Newscan Public Relations Tel: 852-3141-8016/ 852-3141-8082 Fax: 852-2510-8199 E-mail: anne.lui@knprhk.com ------------------- henry.chua@knprhk.com --------------------- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be issued on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. CNOOC Limited By: /s/ Cao Yunshi --------------------- Name: Cao Yunshi Title: Company Secretary Dated: August 19, 2002