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New Ship-to-Ship Fuel Rules Stir Hope and Fear in Algoa Bay
When Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Dion George signed South Africa’s new Ship-to-Ship Transfer Regulations on 22 August 2025, it was meant to be a moment of progress. The ceremony, held aboard the iconic SA Agulhas II research vessel, brought together government officials, scientists, conservationists, and fishing representatives. Yet instead of celebration, the air was heavy with tension.
At the heart of the controversy lies a single question: can South Africa grow its shipping economy without sacrificing its most vulnerable seabird, the African Penguin?
Offshore Bunkering: Cheaper for Ships, Costly for Nature
The regulations allow for one vessel to refuel another at sea, a practice known as offshore bunkering. It saves companies time and money compared to docking in harbours. But it also brings risks that conservationists argue are far too high, particularly in Algoa Bay, where the practice has been concentrated since 2016.
Here, oil spills have already tainted the waters on several occasions, with devastating consequences for penguins and seabirds. For a species that has crashed from 8,000 breeding pairs on St Croix Island in 2015 to just 700 pairs today, every spill and every disturbance counts.
Penguins Caught in the Middle
In principle, the regulations include protective measures: six island closures around breeding sites such as Dassen Island, Robben Island, and Bird Island. But environmental groups argue these steps are undermined by exemptions that favour industry.
Concerns have also been raised that transfers could take place at night, a risk-laden activity that hampers spill detection and impedes response efforts, especially under adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, while the ERA recommended halting bunkering when wave heights exceed one metre, the new rules permit operations in swells up to two metres.
What the Experts Say
Conservation leaders have not minced words. Dr Alistair McInnes from BirdLife South Africa warns that without stronger controls, protections around penguin colonies will be meaningless. SANCCOB’s head of conservation, Nicky Stander, has echoed this concern, stressing that it is not only refuelling ships that poses a threat but also the increased vessel traffic that comes with them.
Both organisations are urging the government to use its environmental protection powers to place stricter bans on bunkering in sensitive areas.
A Balancing Act That Feels Lopsided
Supporters of the new regulations argue that they bring economic benefits, strengthening the shipping industry and creating efficiency in trade routes. But the ecological risks are disproportionately carried by the environment. Penguins, already listed as critically endangered, have become the unwilling test case of this balancing act.
For South Africans, the penguin is not only a symbol of our coastline but also a vital part of the tourism economy. Thousands of visitors flock to see these charismatic birds each year. Their decline is not just an ecological tragedy but a cultural and economic one.
The new rules may have been signed into law, but the fight is far from over. Conservationists are preparing to push for stricter enforcement, reminding the government that short-term savings at sea could mean long-term losses on land and along our shores.
Also read: Interest rates in South Africa: Why the Reserve Bank is holding steady
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
