- South Africa has introduced new offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfer regulations, imposing penalties of up to R2 million, five years’ imprisonment, or both for violations.
- The rules aim to prevent pollution, safeguard Algoa Bay’s biodiversity, and protect the endangered African Penguin, while setting strict standards for safe and responsible maritime operations.
- The regulations establish prohibited zones, wildlife monitoring requirements, weather restrictions, pollution-prevention measures, and tighter compliance obligations for operators.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, has signed into law new regulations governing offshore ship-to-ship transfers, including bunkering operations. These rules, issued under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act of 2008, will take effect once published in the Government Gazette. They provide South Africa with an enforceable environmental framework designed to curb pollution risks, protect marine ecosystems, and secure the survival of vulnerable species such as the African Penguin. Offenders face penalties of up to R2 million, prison terms of as long as five years, or both, according to ZAWYA.
Environmental Protections and Restrictions
To protect sensitive coastal and marine environments, STS operations are now prohibited within marine protected areas, aquaculture development zones, within five nautical miles of such areas, and within three nautical miles of the high-water mark. In Algoa Bay specifically, transfers may only take place under safe weather conditions, limited to wind speeds below 22 knots and wave heights below two meters, with the minister empowered to set additional conditions in other regions. To safeguard marine life, operators are required to monitor for penguins and marine mammals, deploy hydrophone systems, and implement immediate response measures for any injured or oiled wildlife.
Operational Standards and Compliance
The regulations impose strict pollution-prevention requirements, including the use of drip trays, leak detection systems, inflatable booms, and spill-response vessels stationed within five nautical miles of shore. All crew must undergo environmental awareness training, while each operator is obliged to submit an independent Environmental Management Plan approved by the minister, tailored to site-specific risks. In Algoa Bay, transfers are confined to designated anchorages with limits on the number of tankers and operators permitted, alongside seasonal restrictions in certain zones to protect sensitive habitats.
According to Minister George, the regulations mark a decisive step in balancing economic maritime activity with environmental protection. By enforcing clear standards for ship-to-ship transfers, South Africa is strengthening its ability to manage coastal risks, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure that operations are conducted safely and responsibly in one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
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Source: ZAWYA
