China's maritime authorities have filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from the parties responsible for the Bohai Bay oil spill.

The oil field is operated by the Chinese subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, but was jointly developed by both China's National Offshore Oil Corporation, CNOOC, and the Houston-based firm.

On June 4, oil was seen on the surface close to Platform B at China's biggest offshore oil field, Peng-Lai, in north east China's Bohai Bay. ConocoPhillips later determined that the oil stemmed from a seep in the seabed floor.

Two weeks later, oil and gas bubbles were observed approximately two miles away from Platform C. All in all, an estimated 2,500 barrels of oil and mud have leaked, polluting nearly 840 square kilometers.

ConocoPhillips say two new leaks have since been discovered in the seabed under Platform B, about 11 meters away from the previous source. Joint venture partner CNOOC says the country's largest offshore oil producer has apologized for the new oil spills, and will ask it to curb the leaks by the end of August.

(CNTV.cn August 16, 2011)