F-A Platform remains unmanned after power failure

PetroSA confirms personnel evacuation

SOUTH AFRICA: For the first time in history the F-A Platform, located approximately 98km offshore Mossel Bay, is completely unmanned after all 53 personnel on board were evacuated on April 8 following a total power failure.

PetroSA has confirmed that the evacuation was undertaken in accordance with the Emergency Response Plan that saw all personnel airlifted from the platform to shore and that there were no injuries reported.

Responding to questions from Maritime Review Africa, PetroSA has also confirmed that a “comprehensive unmanned platform risk assessment” was conducted which includes the deployment of a 24-hour standby vessel that remains on location to provide maritime safety alerts to approaching vessels.

Operating with a minimum of two diesel power generators, providing for one to remain online while the second operates on standby, the online generator experienced an electrical failure and was taken out of service on April 1.

The standby generator was then placed into operation and supplied power until 08 April 2026, when it also failed. According to PetroSA, the second generator failure occurred while emergency procurement was already underway to source a rental generator.

Plans to restore power and return personnel to the F-A Platform are currently at an advanced stage, and PetroSA confirms that the return to duty of personnel will depend on numerous factors including prevailing weather conditions, which play a critical role in offshore access and execution of the required actions.

“The F-A Platform remains a critical asset for PetroSA’s Reinstatement of the Gas to Liquids Refinery (GTLR) and turnaround of PetroSA towards sustainability. As such, the ongoing care, maintenance, and integrity of the asset are essential to ensure its readiness for future operations. The urgent restoration of safe operations, while ensuring the health and safety of personnel including the protection of life at sea, remains PetroSA’s key objective,” said the Office of the Group Chief Executive Officer of PetroSA in response to Maritime Review’s questions.