Cape town: The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr. Dion George, has signed a Government Notice to publish the second draft of regulations for the Environmental Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfers for public comment. The regulations introduce a risk-based system to prevent and reduce the harm that offshore ship-to-ship transfers, including bunkering, can cause to marine and coastal ecosystems.
According to South African Government News Agency, since bunkering began in Algoa Bay in 2016, four oil spills have affected 260 endangered African Penguins and other marine life. The new rules include strict requirements for environmental management plans, wildlife monitoring, and spill response to prevent further harm. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment emphasized the importance of these regulations, especially for areas like Algoa Bay, which is home to the world’s largest breeding colonies of African Penguins.
The draft regulations, issued under section 83(1) of
the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act No. 24 of 2008), follow the first draft published on 21 February 2025. They are the product of wide consultation with key partners, including the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Transnet National Ports Authority, the Department of Transport, the South African National Parks, and environmental MECs from the four coastal provinces.
The department is urging all stakeholders to participate in the process to help finalize regulations that protect the environment while supporting a resilient ocean economy. The department invites written comments within 30 days of publication in the Government Gazette or a national newspaper, whichever is later. The draft regulations and supporting documents are available at www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices or by email on request.
Comments can be submitted by hand to the Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Attenti
on: Lona Nondaka, 2nd Floor, East Pier Building 2, East Pier Road, V and A Waterfront, Cape Town.