CNOOC, along with three other Chinese firms, hopes to buy a stake in a Statoil Brazilian offshore field that is for sale.

Statoil plans to sell part of its 100% stake in an undisclosed shallow offshore field that has a water depth of about 100 metres, according to a report by Reuters.

Statoil had earlier announced its plans to cut its 100% stake in the Peregrino field, which matches the description of the undisclosed oilfield, according to Reuters.

The other three companies include CNPC, PetroChina and Sinopec Group.