President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law, strengthening protections against ship-related pollution in South African waters.
The new legislation addresses pollution from ships, including oil spills, chemical sewage, and garbage, by incorporating Annex IV and Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. The law also expands the powers of the Minister of Transport to establish regulations on air pollution and sewage from ships.
Additionally, the law significantly increases fines for serious offenses under the Marine Pollution Act, raising penalties from R500,000 to R10 million. This amendment supports South Africa’s marine economy, which employed about 400,000 people in 2022, in sectors such as shipping, tourism, and fisheries.
With over 3,000 km of coastline, South Africa’s environmental and economic security depends on the health of its oceans. This law contributes to both national efforts and global initiatives to safeguard marine environments and promote sustainable economic activities, the South African Government explained in a statement.
