Investigation under way into near-miss incident on Hebron platform

Sept. 16, 2021
ExxonMobil has stopped all auxiliary crane operations.

Offshore staff

ST. JOHN’S, Canada – ExxonMobil has launched an investigation following a near-miss incident onboard the Hebron platform offshore Newfoundland.

On Tuesday during preparations for an upcoming lift (no load connected), the south intervention deck auxiliary hoist hook fell 5 to 6 m (16 to 20 ft) to the deck. The hook weighed 3.6 kg (8 lbs).

According to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB), there were no injuries. The hoist operator was the only individual in the area and was located about 6 m away.

Based on the Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme (DROPS) calculator, the incident had the potential for fatality, the C-NLOPB said.

ExxonMobil has stopped all auxiliary crane operations.

The C-NLOPB is monitoring ExxonMobil’s investigation of the incident.

The Hebron platform consists of a stand-alone gravity-based structure, which supports an integrated topsides deck that includes living quarters and drilling and production facilities. The platform has storage capacity of 1.2 MMbbl of oil.

The platform is about 200 mi (350 km) offshore Newfoundland and Labrador in water depths of about 300 ft (92 m).

09/16/2021