The State Oceanic Administration approved the reopening of the Penglai 19-3 oilfield in Bohai Bay where a severe oil spill took place in June 2011, according to a statement released on the administration's website over the weekend.

The statement said that after a series of response efforts taken by ConocoPhillips China - the operator of the oilfield - the site is operating under normal conditions and ready to reopen.

The statement also said that the company gained the administration's approval for its overall development program.

After the reopening, the SOA will boost supervision of the water areas near the oilfield, the statement said.