Hibernia is a oil rig located on the Grand Banks off the east coast of Newfoundland. In 1979, Chevron Canada Resources found the large oil field which seemed to promise enough oil  for good commercial development.

          In 1990, the project for building an oil rig was approved by many oil companies and the people of Newfoundland. In November of 1997, Hibernia started to produce oil. The Hibernia and Avalon (part of Hibernia reservoir) oil reservoirs contain 18590 PJ of  crude oil but only one fourth of it is recoverable with today's technology.

                       To prevent the drilling platform from capsizing by high waves or large ice bergs, a Gravity Base Structure was created. It has 16 concrete teeth around the base which can absorb a large impact of an ice berg or lost ship. This spiked base rests on the ocean floor, stabilizing the entire rig.  Inside the spiked platform are 2 drill shafts, a riser shaft, and a utility shaft. The drill shafts are for drilling into the ocean floor. The riser shaft has all the equipment to pump the oil. The utility shaft operates the whole base and is in charge of all the equipment.

          The topside (most visible) of the entire oil rig was first made on land, then towed by tugs and placed on top of the GBS (Base). The topside facilities accommodate all drilling, producing, equipment, life boats, and living quarters for the workers.

          When the proposal of Hibernia took place, many studies were done on the environmental effects that this oil rig. All measure have been taken to prevent an oil spill.