Chevron Canada Ltd. says its partnership has decided to suspend negotiations with the government of Newfoundland and Labrador and demobilize the Hebron offshore project team after failing to reach a development agreement with the province. The joint-venture partners are ExxonMobil Canada, Petro-Canada and Norsk Hydro Canada Oil & Gas Inc., a subsidiary of Norway's Norske energy and industrial giant. Toronto Star reported that Hebron poses a number of challenges due to the high degree of technical complexity associated with recovering heavy oil in a harsh marine environment. While project activities have been suspended, the co-venturers remain positive that activities could proceed at a future date after a deal is reached with the provincial government.