The Hebron platform was successfully installed on the Grand Banks offshore Newfoundland and Labrador in June 2017. It consists of a single-shaft concrete gravity-based structure (GBS) supporting an integrated drilling and production topsides. The design of the platform was challenged by sub-Arctic and extreme metocean conditions that required innovative design and layout approaches for many elements considered routine for typical platforms. This complete paper highlights the underlying technologies, analytical and design methods, and capital-efficient execution strategies employed.
Introduction
The Hebron platform comprises a GBS and topsides installed in 93-m water depth. Produced crude oil is stored in storage cells and pumped to shuttle tankers by an offshore loading system.
The topsides facilities (operating weight 65,000 tonnes) include the following major modules:
- Utilities and process module (UPM)
- Derrick equipment set (DES)
- Drilling support module (DSM)
- Ancillaries (flare boom, east and west liftboat stations)
- Living quarters (LQ) designed to accommodate 220 personnel during steady-state operations
The total height of the platform with GBS is approximately 235 m, topsides length is approximately 183 m, and the width is approximately 75 m.
