Milestone achieved with Hebron GBS

The Hebron gravity based structure (GBS) has been towed from the dry dock to the deepwater construction site at Bull Arm.

Tow-out began July 22, with arrival at the deepwater site 10 hours later. Mooring operations are underway.

GBS construction to build the 27.5 metre structure began in the dry dock in October 2012. In June, the dry dock was flooded to prepare for towing. 

“The tow-out of the GBS, at 180,000 tonnes, was a major engineering and logistical feat,” said Geoff Parker, Hebron senior project manager.

The GBS is a reinforced concrete structure designed to withstand icebergs and other oceanographic conditions. It will support the storage of over one million barrels of crude oil, as well as living quarters and drilling and production facilities.

Parker is proud that the team has reached this point in the project without the occurrence of any major injuries. “To us, that is the most significant accomplishment," he said. 

GBS construction activities will continue later this summer at the deepwater site.