29 January 2025 |

In a landmark event at the IMO GloNoise Partnership Project Workshop held in Cape Town, Deputy Minister of Transport, the Honourable Mkhuleko Hlengwa, delivered a powerful keynote address underscoring South Africa’s leadership in tackling underwater radiated noise (URN) from commercial shipping.

URN, a growing concern for marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, has significant environmental impacts. As a Lead Pilot Country in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GloNoise Project, South Africa is actively working to integrate the IMO’s Revised Guidelines into national legislation, promote regional cooperation, and foster innovative solutions that will protect marine biodiversity and encourage sustainable shipping practices.

Key Highlights from the Deputy Minister’s Address:

• Regional Collaboration: South Africa’s ongoing collaboration with Madagascar and other key partners emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility for ocean stewardship and preserving marine life.
• Protecting Biodiversity and Supporting Coastal Communities: Prioritizing the protection of biodiversity hotspots such as Algoa Bay and ensuring the wellbeing of coastal communities is at the heart of South Africa’s efforts.
• Inclusive and Diverse Approaches: South Africa is committed to enhancing the inclusivity of its maritime initiatives, with a focus on promoting women’s participation and strengthening efforts to safeguard the oceans for future generations.

This event serves as a call to action for continued cooperation, regional partnerships, and the adoption of sustainable maritime practices to protect the world’s oceans. South Africa’s leadership in this field is a model for other nations to follow as we work towards a sustainable and thriving global maritime sector.

Source: SAMSA