Minister Dion George
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has signed new regulations to manage offshore ship-to-ship transfer operations, with tough penalties for those who break the rules including fines of up to R2 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. These measures, aimed at stopping pollution, shielding coastal areas, and lessening the effects of any spills, focus on saving the African Penguin and other sea life in the biodiverse Algoa Bay and along the coastline. Signed on 23 August 2025 and set to start once published in the Government Gazette, the rules provide a clear plan to handle these activities safely while keeping economic needs in mind. “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 Minister said.
Key Features of the New Regulations: Strict Controls for Safer Seas
The Regulations for the Environmental Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfer fall under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008). They bring in a risk-based system to cut down harm from these operations, including bunkering where fuel moves from one ship to another at sea. This follows worries about oil spills and noise that hurt marine animals, especially in busy spots like Algoa Bay.
Some main rules include:
Prohibited zones: No ship-to-ship transfers in marine protected areas, aquaculture zones, within 5 nautical miles of these spots, or within three nautical miles of the high-water mark to keep sensitive areas safe.
Wildlife protection: Operators must watch for penguins and marine mammals using hydrophone systems, report any sightings or problems, and have quick plans to help oiled or hurt animals.
Weather limits: In Algoa Bay, work can only happen in good weather, with winds under 22 knots and waves below two metres. The Minister can set rules for other places too.
Pollution prevention: Ships need drip trays, leak detectors, inflatable booms, and a response vessel ready within five nautical miles of shore to handle spills fast.
Training and compliance: Crew must get training on environmental care, and each operator needs an approved Environmental Management Plan that looks at local risks.
Algoa Bay restrictions: Operations stay in set anchorages, with caps on how many operators and tankers can work, plus seasonal stops in anchorage area 2 to protect breeding spots.
These steps build on earlier drafts from June and July 2025, which got public input and changes to balance safety with business. For example, a ban on night work was lifted but with strict lights and checks. The rules also need permits from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and follow international standards like MARPOL to stop sea pollution.
Why These Rules Are Needed: Saving the African Penguin and Fragile Ecosystems
The push for these regulations comes from growing fears about the harm from offshore bunkering, which has grown in South Africa since 2016 when it started in Algoa Bay. This bay, near Gqeberha, is a hotspot for biodiversity with over 270 bird types and home to half the world’s African Penguins. But the penguin numbers have dropped 97% in the last century, now down to about 10,000 breeding pairs, making them endangered. Noise from ships scares away fish they eat, and oil spills can kill many at once.
A big wake-up call was the 2021 spill in Algoa Bay, where fuel from a bunkering ship oiled penguins and hurt the ecosystem. Groups like BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) have long called for tighter rules, saying bunkering risks wiping out the penguins. SANCCOB rescued over 200 oiled birds in recent years, but many die before help comes. The new rules aim to stop this by making operators plan for wildlife rescues and use tech to spot animals early.
Beyond penguins, the regulations protect other sea life like whales, dolphins, and fish in areas like the Agulhas Current, which brings rich nutrients. They also help aquaculture farms, like mussel and abalone spots, by keeping transfers far away to avoid pollution that could ruin harvests.
Reactions from Stakeholders: Praise and Calls for Enforcement
Environmental groups have welcomed the move. BirdLife South Africa called it a lifeline for penguins, saying the rules show the government’s commitment to conservation. “This is a win for our oceans and the species that depend on them,” said their CEO, Mark Anderson. SANCCOB echoed this, noting the focus on quick spill response could save lives.
On the business side, the bunkering industry, worth millions and creating jobs in ports like Algoa Bay, has mixed views. Some operators worry the limits could slow trade, but others see it as a way to make things safer and more sustainable. The South African Bunker Suppliers Association said they support rules that balance growth with protection, as bad spills hurt everyone.
Opposition parties like the DA praised Minister George for acting fast since taking office in July 2024. DA MP Dave Bryant said it builds on past work but called for strong enforcement to make sure rules are followed. EFF leaders urged more focus on local communities hit by pollution.
The department has promised tough checks, with SAMSA and the DFFE working together on permits and watches. Breaking rules could mean big fines or jail, sending a clear message against risky acts.
Broader Context: DFFE’s Role in Environmental Protection
This fits the DFFE’s main job to protect South Africa’s environment under the Constitution’s section 24, which gives everyone the right to a safe environment. The department, led by Minister George, handles laws on air, water, waste, and biodiversity. Recent wins include fighting plastic pollution and climate change plans.
George, a DA member in the Government of National Unity, has focused on wildlife since starting. In June 2025, he marked his first year with steps to protect natural spots. The regulations follow other actions like the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meetings in July 2025, where South Africa pushed for global green efforts.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 112 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Local Municipality’s R2 Billion Budget Rejected as Unfunded by Free
State Treasury
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-112.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube