South Africa Strengthens Maritime Environmental Laws as Cape Route Traffic Surges Amid Red Sea Crisis

South Africa has significantly enhanced its maritime environmental protection measures with President Cyril Ramaphosa signing into law the Marine Pollution Amendment Bill, a move that comes at a crucial time as ship traffic around the Cape of Good Hope has increased substantially due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis.

The legislation arrives amid unprecedented challenges in global shipping, with vessels increasingly opting for the Cape route over the traditional Suez Canal passage due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

“Ships can pollute our oceans in various ways, from oil spi…