Maritime protection at the Port of Saldanha has been given a facelift following an agreement between the Transnet National Ports Authority and Oil Pollution Control South Africa (OPC), a subsidiary of CEF (Pty) Ltd.

The agreement, effective from December 21 2007, helps prevent oil spills and improves procedures in the event of spills at the port.

Set to run for three years, the agreement will be reviewed in 2010. OPC and Transnet are already looking to expand maritime protection to other ports across South Africa.

Saldanha Bay is South Africa's largest natural anchorage and port, lying 60 nautical miles northwest of Cape Town and partly protected by a 3.1km-long artificial breakwater. It is thought lack of fresh water prevented this otherwise excellent natural harbour from becoming the major port along the south coast of Africa, instead of Cape Town.

The port developed into a modern harbour only recently, when it became necessary for exporting iron ore from the Northern Cape.

Established in 1992, OPC provides oil prevention, control and clean-up services needed in the effective management of such a port. It operates according to the National Environmental Management Act, and managed according to the Public Finance Management Act.

OPC is by far one of the largest and most technically advanced players oil pollution, prevention and control, operating in South Africa, Africa and the Middle East. Its well-established oil-pollution prevention and control unit in Saldanha Bay is staffed with trained individuals who maintain and operate specially designed equipment.

Its services are extended to crude oil carriers and vessels discharging or loading cargo, vessels in distress outside port areas as well as during other in-port activities, such as bunker fuel where pollution can occur.

"It is always better to clean up the spill before it gets to shore, where the most environmental damage occurs," says Pieter Coetzee, chief executive of OPC.

The organisation’s facilities and equipment include 3 500 metres of self-inflatable booms that can be rapidly set up to secure an oil spill. The Albatross is a highly specialised vessel equipped with purpose-designed brush skimmers that clean up the oil from the surface of the water.

Although OPC aims to clean up the spill before it reaches the shore, this is not always possible. For this reason staff are trained to handle oiled sea birds and beach-cleaning equipment is available to clean without causing unnecessary damage.

Coetzee said that given the environmental sensitivity of the Saldanha Bay area, particularly Langebaan Lagoon, prevention is imperative. The lagoon, home to an array of sea birds, waders, seed and insect eaters and raptors is impacted by environmental changes at the port.

"There is a definite knock-on effect, especially during tide changes," says Coetzee. "For this reason the prevention of oil spills and speedy clean up operations are vital."

Transnet National Port's Authority chief executive, Khomotso Phihlela, says protecting the environment is a top priority for his team.

"This new initiative aims to strengthen Transnet National Ports Authority's commitment to a swift oil spill response in times of emergency," he says.

"I am satisfied that the Port of Saldanha has all the relevant processes, procedures and people in place to respond effectively to a major oil spill. The safety of the public and the protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife is of paramount importance to us."1