Orca platform undergoes upgrades in Port Elizabeth

Oct. 14, 2013
PetroSA has taken its Orca floating production platform off-station for reclassification and refurbishment upgrades.

Offshore staff

CAPE TOWN, South Africa– PetroSA has taken its Orca floating production platform off-station for reclassification and refurbishment upgrades. The vessel is docked at the Port of Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, and could remain there for up to 12 months.

The company and predecessor Soekor have used the 44-year-old vessel since the 1980s. It was originally a drilling rig that underwent conversion for its current role in 1997.

Since December 2008, theOrca has produced more than 46 MMbbl of oil from the Oribi/Oryx oil fields in block 9 off South Africa’s southern coast.

While at the Port of Ngqura, Orca is being refitted to meet all ABS’ Special Period Survey certification requirements for continued service.

10/14/2013