Monday, 27 January 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law, introducing stronger measures to protect South Africa’s oceans from ship-related pollution.
With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline stretching from Namibia on the Atlantic coast to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean, the new law is crucial for the country’s environmental and economic security.
The legislation also supports global efforts to protect the marine environment and promote sustainable economic activities.
In 2022, South Africa’s marine economy, which encompasses sectors such as shipping, construction, tourism, and fisheries, supported approximately 400,000 jobs.
The law responds to the reality that ships can contribute to ocean pollution in various ways, including oil spills, harmful chemicals, sewage, and waste. The amendment updates the Marine Pollution Act by incorporating Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
Annex IV governs the treatment and disposal of ship-generated sewage, while Annex VI addresses ship energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.
The new law also expands the authority of the Minister of Transport to regulate air pollution from ships and sewage disposal, among other pollution prevention measures.
Additionally, the legislation increases penalties for serious violations under the Marine Pollution Act or the international Convention, with fines raised from R500,000 to R10 million.
