The Hebron project, which at capacity could produce up to 150,000 b/d, has ramped up ahead of schedule offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, ExxonMobil Corp. said Tuesday.

The Hebron field, discovered in 1980, is estimated to contain more than 700 million boe of recoverable resources.

“The successful startup of the Hebron project demonstrates ExxonMobil’s disciplined project management expertise and highlights its ability to execute large-scale energy developments safely and responsibly in challenging operating conditions,” said ExxonMobil Development Co. President Liam Mallon.

ExxonMobil, which operates Hebron, sanctioned the project in 2013. Operations are handled by ExxonMobil Canada Properties, which holds 35.5% equity, and its partners on the project are Chevron Canada Ltd. (29.6%), Suncor Energy Inc. (21%), Statoil Canada Ltd. (9%) and Nalcor Energy-Oil and Gas Inc. (4.9%).

The Hebron platform, with storage capacity of 1.2 million bbl, is about 200 miles offshore in water depths of about 300 feet. The standalone gravity-based structure supports an integrated topsides deck with living quarters and drilling and production facilities.

During its eight-year engineering, construction and startup phase, the Hebron project contracted vendors throughout the province and created an estimated 7,500 jobs during the peak of the construction phase. The project achieved more than 40 million hours without a lost-time injury during construction, ExxonMobil noted.

“The local and international contractors played a critical role in helping to complete the Hebron project ahead of schedule,” Mallon said. “By leveraging their expertise, we were able to bring this world-class platform online safely and successfully.”