MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Deepsea Yantai semi-sub rig, managed by Odjfell and sailing from Singapore, has moored off port limits in the bay to receive various services and change crew before proceeding to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.
"Were it not for the efficient and constructive cooperation of members of staff of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), effectively working with industry to attract the in-transit, East-West rig traffic to Mossel Bay, this historic moment of welcoming a rig of this magnitude to the bay would not have been possible," Afrishore CEO Shirley Schmidt said.
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Afrishore Shipping is an international oil and gas agency that offers a one-stop solution in South Africa, providing everything from logistic project management and port call management, right up to crew meet and greets, visa/immigration support and specialised marine consultancy services.
Economic boost
Schmidt said Afrishore, the agents for the Deepsea Yantai, facilitated the crew changes that also involved personnel at management level.
"The seagoing crew were treated to an experience at the Gin School and, in turn, the crew leaving the rig were treated to a game drive at Botlierskop before they left for home. We have to thank the authorities for the manner in which the crew change process and the refuelling in the bay were effectively dealt with." Schmidt said as many of the supplies needed for the rig as possible were sourced locally. These included fuel, food and even critical parts for the rig.
Port manager Shadrack Tshikalange said the Port of Mossel Bay was well-equipped to service the needs of large vessels such as the Deepsea Yantai despite being the smallest of TNPA's commercial ports on the South African coast.
"We commend the efforts of all roleplayers in ensuring the safe arrival of the Deepsea Yantai. TNPA values the opportunity to assist vessels of this nature and size in the future, which will earn us the trust of international organisations," Tshikalange said.
Exploration
Another vessel owned by the The Odfjell Group, Deepsea Stavanger, is expected to work on the next exploration drilling phase of the Brulpadda project on Block 11B/12B in the Outeniqua Basin situated off the coast of Mossel Bay, where energy giant, Total, discovered gas condensate earlier this year.
Block 11B/12B is located in the Outeniqua Basin, 175 kilometres off the coast. The block covers an area of 19 000km² with water depths ranging from 200 to 1 800m. "Mossel Bay is the only port that operates two offshore mooring points within port limits. TNPA's investment into the oil and gas industry ties into government's efforts to develop the 'oceans economy' through its Operation Phakisa programme," Tshikalange said.
Afrishore, as the facilitator, is excited about the return of the Deepsea Stavanger.
"It is expected that the Deepsea Stavanger, when she returns in 2020, will drill at least two exploration wells, with the option of further wells.
"It is expected the two exploration wells will take approximately nine to 12 months to complete.
"The true analysis of the exploration will happen during this next phase, when also the the economic viability for the project will be assessed," Schmidt added. She said Afrishore had created an email address (vendors@afrishore.co.za) for local businesses to register and send their company profiles.
The majestic rig against the backdrop of the mountains. Photo: Julian Scholtz
A rig the size of the Deepsea Yantai has never called for services in Mossel Bay.
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