Journey to Hebron

Newfoundland’s next mega oil project is the Hebron Project. Fast forward to 2017, Newfoundland’s oil dream will be materializing and producing it’s first barrel of oil. Hebron is a development that will delineate oil resources with a state-of-the-art gravity-based structure—truly an intricate and grand engineering feat. Similar to its predecessor, the Hibernia Gravity-Based Structure (GBS), the Hebron GBS is built to last the life of the oil field, which is estimated at 30 years or more.

Hebron is a development that will delineate oil resources with a state-of-the-art gravity-based structure—truly an intricate and grand engineering feat. Similar to its predecessor, the Hibernia Gravity-Based Structure (GBS), the Hebron GBS is built to last the life of the oil field, which is estimated at 30 years or more.

The Hebron GBS will support an integrated topsides deck that includes living quarters and facilities to perform its offshore drilling operations. Below the topsides, the GBS will consist of reinforced concrete that is designed to withstand sea ice, icebergs, and harsh ocean conditions.

Operating at a depth of 302 feet, 350 kilometers offshore Newfoundland, the Hebron platform is expected to produce up to 700 million barrels of oil (BBL). Hebron is Newfoundland’s second castle in the sea, and Hibernia was the first. The Hebron Project is a major undertaking, building on the infrastructure of the three previous offshore Newfoundland projects—Hibernia, Terra Nova, and White Rose.

Like the other ventures that are transforming Newfoundland into a highly lucrative energy region, Hebron will be a major contributor to Canada’s economy and, particularly, to Newfoundland and Labrador. Benefits from Hebron will advance the development of the industry for the future as well as bring high returns to the construction phase of the project, employing thousands of people to build the GBS and topsides.

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are now experiencing Hebron’s benefits from engineering, fabrication and construction, employment and training, research and development, and, once oil production begins, there will be significant royalty and tax revenues for the province.

Bull Arm Site

Not everyone is lucky enough to see a “Sea Castle” being built, but, in my 22-year career in the oil industry here in Newfoundland, I’ve now had the profound privilege of having seen two under construction and brought to life. The Bull Arm construction site in Arnold’s Cove, Newfoundland, has proven to be a perfect location for building gravity-based structures. With easy bay access, it’s the right location to build a concrete platform, to remove the earth wall surrounding it, and to let the bay water come in to engulf the concrete base, so that it can become buoyant and then be floated out to sea.

The gravity-base structure alone weighs 680,000 tons, which is equivalent to 150,000 African elephants.

Newfoundland’s shorelines provide the perfect mix of bay and harbor shelters for constructing mammoth structures. As well it provides the right conditions to mate topsides with the gravity-base, before it is towed out to deep-water seas.

The Bull Arm Tour

Arriving at The Bull Arm Information Centre, you will immediately notice the Nalcor building awaiting to accept visitors. It is open to the public and is a major source of information about the Hebron Project. Inside you will see videos and wall panels that explain the various stages of the project, and the work that is planned for the coming years. By appointment, you can take a tour, and I would highly recommended it for anyone working or studying in the energy industry in Newfoundland.

Greeted by our guide, Abby, we quickly got a project overview and our work-site bearings. Those of us taking the Bull Arm tour got a firsthand view of the site and of the construction progress of both the gravity-based structure and topsides locations. At first thought, you’d think you’ve entered into the land of the giants. Everything is larger than life, and, overlooking the project from the lookout point, people look like ants, trucks look incredibly miniaturized, and the gravity-based structure looks like King Kong’s throne.

Everything happens right here. In September of 2011, the Hebron team began the Bull Arm site preparation work. Much of the previous Hibernia topsides infrastructure was already in place, so it was a matter of modifying and upgrading to meet new demands. Work began with road upgrades, building, refurbishing, and new site services that were put in place. During our Bull Arm tour we got to see all of Hebron’s triumphs and technicalities and, of course, its top priority safety requirements.

The Bull Arm Site

December 2011 was an important milestone as the Comprehensive Study Report was approved, which enabled the construction of the “bund wall” for the dry dock area to come into play. October 2012 saw the skirt installation begin that officially started the construction of Hebron’s gravity-based structure. The topsides fabrication began in 2013, within much of the existing Hibernia topsides’ buildings. Topsides and gravity-based construction will proceed simultaneously for several years until all parts of the project are complete. When the topsides are complete, the GBS will be floated out, lowered with a ballast system, and then mated with the topsides. This is a delicate operation, relying on an extreme amount of precision and engineering proficiency. Once the GBS and topsides are mated, the complete platform will be towed to the Hebron field 350 kilometers away. While it all seems simple to write about and explain, the truth is that the Hebron Project requires the ultimate in expertise, knowledge, creativity, and ingenuity from the four corners of the globe. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are extremely fortunate to have such a world-class event happening in their region. After all, how many people get to say they have seen a sea castle, let alone take part in the building of one!