Question NW873 to the Minister of Energy
21 April 2016 - NW873
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Energy
(1)Whether the oil drilling platform that is currently anchored in Mossel Bay is being rented by PetroSA, if so, (a) for what purpose, (b) from when until what particular date the rental agreement is in place, (c) what is the amount for the period of the rental agreement, (d) from when until what particular date it (i) has been in operational use and (ii) will lie at anchor in Mossel Bay (2) Whether PetroSA has any obligation in respect of support and maintenance of the oil drilling platform; if so, (a) what type of support and maintenance and (b) what the relevant monthly costs amount to; (3) Whether she will make a statement about the matter?
Reply:
- The oil drilling platform that is currently anchored in Mossel Bay is owned by PetroSA. It is not being rented. The Orca FPSO has permission to lie in Mossel Bay shallow waters for periods of six months (reviewed each time).
(2) Yes, PetroSA is obligated to maintain all the safety systems of the ORCA FPSO to ensure it is fully functional. The monthly average cost is R2 million dependent on the level of maintenance required. This cost was reduced by reducing the staff to a minimum requirement (as guided by SAMSA compliance and maintaining the Asset on safe park mode).
(3) No.