DEKRA Industrial fuelled by global support and local expertise
Powering the SA petrochemical sector with integrated inspection and training offering
At the African Petrochemical & Energy Roadshow in Secunda on 31 July 2025, DEKRA Industrial will reaffirm its commitment to the local petrochemical sector with a unique offering: a seamless integration of cutting-edge inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT) and advanced industrial skills training. With over 100 years of safety expertise through its global safety parent DEKRA, the company’s support for plant optimisation, asset integrity and workforce readiness remains unmatched.
Operating locally in one of the most safety-critical petrochemical environments (coal-based synthetic fuel production), the company brings specialised capabilities tailored to high-risk facilities in the region. Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and high-temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA) are among the most severe threats to carbon steel equipment used in high-pressure, high-temperature processes. “We have invested intensively in both equipment and training to ensure our Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 NDT technicians can detect these faults with the highest precision,” explains Rob Hallier, Proposals Manager. “Our access to global expertise through DEKRA’s European research and development (R & D) teams provides us – and by extension our clients – with a substantial technical competitive edge.”
DEKRA’s non-destructive testing portfolio includes conventional techniques such as ultrasonic, radiographic (Co60, Ir192 and computed radiography), magnetic particle, dye penetrant and eddy current testing. In addition, advanced techniques such as phased array (PAUT), time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD), C-Scan corrosion mapping, metallographic replication and Speckle Pattern Image Correlation Analysis (SPICA) for creep monitoring, all ensuring comprehensive asset evaluation. “We are not limited to local technical knowledge,” adds Johan Loots, DEKRA Industrial Middelburg Branch Manager. “Our international network allows us to resolve complex failure analysis cases with input from global experts.”
From a training perspective, DEKRA Institute of Learning (IOL) plays a vital role in equipping workforces to meet South African legislation and site-specific requirements. “In Secunda, our focus is providing occupational health and safety training: working at heights, confined spaces, hazardous chemical handling and process safety awareness,” says Christopher Mӧrsner, DEKRA IOL Head of Training and Consulting. “We aim to build proactive, behaviour-based safety cultures, embracing the future as heroes of safety.”
DEKRA Industrial is ISO 9001:2015-, ISO 45001:2018-, and ISO 17025:2005-accredited, holds NOSCAR Gold status, QCTO and HWSETA accreditation for training, and Level 1 B-BBEE status. These credentials, combined with its local insight and global expertise – place DEKRA Industrial at the forefront of petrochemical safety excellence in South Africa.
As the industry gathers in Secunda for the African Petrochemical & Energy roadshow, the company stands ready to partner with petrochemical clients to secure operations, empower people and protect the future.
About DEKRA INDUSTRIAL:
DEKRA Industrial offers the local petrochemical sector non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection, and QCTO-accredited training. Backed by parent company DEKRA’s 100 years of expertise, its service is integrated, complementary and comprehensive. Rooted in a ‘safety-first’ mindset and driven by process safety awareness, clients receive a completely holistic safety solution.
The company is RD 0034 nuclear safety-compliant and holds ISO 45001:2018 and DNV maritime certification.
