Cape town: The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has introduced new regulations aimed at overseeing offshore ship-to-ship transfer operations. These regulations stipulate severe penalties for violators, including fines up to R2 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. According to South African Government News Agency, these newly signed regulations are intended to prevent pollution, offer protection to coastal ecosystems, and mitigate the impacts of potential spills. The initiative also aims to safeguard the survival of the African Penguin and other marine species within the biodiverse Algoa Bay and along South Africa's coastline. Dr Dion George stated, "These regulations are a decisive step to safeguard our oceans and secure the future of our African Penguin. They set strict standards for offshore ship-to-ship transfers, ensuring that maritime activity can only proceed in a safe and responsible way." The regulations, known as the Regulations for the Environme ntal Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfer, fall under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008). They will become effective once published in the Government Gazette, providing an enforceable framework for managing offshore ship-to-ship transfer operations, including bunkering. Key measures of the regulations include prohibiting STS operations within marine protected areas, aquaculture development zones, and within specific nautical miles of these zones and the high-water mark. Wildlife protection mandates require operators to monitor marine life, deploy hydrophone systems, report sightings and incidents, and have immediate response plans for affected wildlife. Weather conditions also play a role, with operations in Algoa Bay restricted to safe conditions, specifically wind speeds below 22 knots and wave heights under two metres. Pollution prevention measures call for the use of drip trays, leak detection systems, inflatable booms, and a spill -response vessel on standby. Furthermore, all crew members must undergo environmental awareness training, and operators are required to submit an approved Environmental Management Plan addressing site-specific risks. Operations in Algoa Bay are limited to designated anchorages with restrictions on the number of operators, tankers, and seasonal activities to protect sensitive habitats.
