The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has signed new regulations governing offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations in a significant move to protect South Africa’s coastal ecosystems, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Picture: Minister Dr. Dion George / Facebook via Cape (town) Etc
Ship-to-ship (STS) transfers involve moving cargo, such as oil or fuel, directly from one vessel to another while at sea, rather than unloading at a port.
This decisive step seeks not only to prevent pollution but also to safeguard endangered species like the African penguin, while also promoting responsible maritime activity within one of the nation’s most biodiverse marine areas.
Under the new regulations, which will come into force upon publication in the Government Gazette, offences committed in contravention of these guidelines can lead to hefty penalties.
Transgressors could face fines soaring up to R2 million, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
‘These regulations set strict standards for offshore ship-to-ship transfers, ensuring that maritime activity can only proceed in a safe and responsible way,’ George stated.
The Regulations for the Environmental Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfer were established under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act of 2008 to provide a clear and enforceable framework for such operations, including bunkering activities.
The key elements of these new regulations include:
- Prohibited Zones: STS operations will not be allowed within marine protected areas, aquaculture development zones, and within 5 nautical miles of these zones. Furthermore, operations are banned within three nautical miles of the high-water mark.
- Wildlife Protection: Operators will be required to monitor for African penguins and marine mammals, deploy hydrophone systems, and report any sightings or incidents. Immediate response plans must be implemented for any oiled or injured wildlife.
- Pollution Prevention: Operators must utilise drip trays, leak detection systems, inflatable booms, and ensure a spill-response vessel is on standby within five nautical miles of shore.
- Training and Compliance: All crew members must undergo environmental awareness training, and each operator is required to submit a site-specific Environmental Management Plan, subject to Ministerial approval.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC
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