On the basis of systematically surveying the status of the global giant field exploration and research, using the IHS and C&C databases and related literature on public publication, the paper analyses the 320 marine carbonate giant fields with their occurrence of 48 petroliferous basins by the end of 2009 in detail, with an emphasis on the plate tectonic setting and accumulation basin type. Research indicates that marine carbonate giant fields are formed mainly in divergent tectonic setting, including continental rifts and overlying sag, continental passive margins fronting major ocean basins. The exploration inspiration is that enhancing the study of above-mentioned prototype basins in divergent tectonic setting, especially the rift at the early stage of basin evolution.