South Africa Tightens Laws Against Marine Pollution

In response to a series of maritime accidents along its coast, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Marine Pollution (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment Bill into law. This legislation enhances the country’s capability to address pollution caused by ships.

Vessels found violating air and sewage pollution regulations now face more stringent penalties, with fines reaching up to R10 million ($541,000).

The Red Sea shipping crisis has significantly increased maritime traffic around South Africa over the past year, as vessels opt to avoid the Houthi threat in Yemen by taking the longer route around Africa for journeys between Asia and Europe.

Last week, salvage teams focused on containing oil leaks from the wreck of the Ultra Galaxy, a general cargo vessel that ran aground and broke apart off South Africa’s western coast in July last year.