New amendments under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act are set to introduce stricter controls on offshore bunkering operations. With growing concerns over environmental risks, particularly oil spills and marine pollution, the proposed regulations will require operators to implement enhanced environmental management measures, stricter permitting requirements, and operational restrictions in sensitive marine areas.
These changes aim to balance industry needs with sustainability, but they also bring increased compliance obligations and potentially severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to R2 million or imprisonment. As these regulations move through the public consultation phase, now is the time for industry stakeholders to assess the impact and prepare for compliance.
To view the amendments please follow the link – Final Nationalenvironmentalmanagementacts.pdf
Interested parties have 30 days from the 21st of February 2025 to comment.