China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) said it has filed an application to the Ministry of Civil Affairs for the registration of a marine environmental fund following a string of oil spills at Bohai Bay, Xinhua News Agency reported.

CNOOC Ltd, a subsidiary of CNOOC, will donate 500 million yuan to the fund as its initial capital, said the report. Later funding will come from companies affiliated with CNOOC, adding that it also welcomes donations from its partners.