ExxonMobil Corp. reported that production through the Hebron platform came on stream safely and ahead of schedule. Peak heavy oil production is expected to reach as much as 150,000 b/d. Hebron is 19 miles southeast of ExxonMobil’s Hibernia project.
Hebron field, discovered in 1980, is estimated to contain more than 700 million bbl in reserves. The Hebron platform consists of a stand-alone, gravity-based structure, which supports an integrated topsides deck. The platform 1.2 million bbl of oil storage capacity.
The platform is 200 miles offshore Newfoundland and Labrador in about 300 ft of water.
The Hebron project involved an 8-year engineering, construction, and startup phase with hundreds of vendors contracted (OGJ Online, Jan. 3, 2013).
Some 7,500 jobs were created during the peak of the construction.
ExxonMobil Canada Properties operates Hebron with 35.5%. Chevron Canada Ltd. holds 29.6% interest, Suncor Energy Inc. 21%, Statoil Canada Ltd. 9%, and Nalcor Energy-Oil & Gas Inc. has 4.9%.
Chevron Corp. was the original operator, but it declined to move forward with the project in 2002, citing low oil prices and technical obstacles.
ExxonMobil then took over the project, but it also suspended plans in 2006. Talks renewed in 2008 despite a world economic slowdown.
