Evaluation on gas production potential from laminar hydrate deposits in Shenhu Area of South China Sea through depressurization using vertical wells

► We constructed a physical model for producing gas from a laminar hydrate deposit. ► The hydrate was dissociated by depressurization at a vertical well. ► The production potential was assessed by means of numerical simulation. ► It was not promising to produce gas from the hydrate deposits by depressurization. ► Increasing permeability will considerably enhance the gas production.