Ship Building and Repair

There is a competent shipbuilding and repair sector with an excellent skills base. Over the years a variety of ocean going vessels have been built as well as renowned luxury motorised yachts. At present the shipbuilding industry has good basic infrastructure. There are immense possibilities around the Durban shoreline, especially in the construction of ships or parts. World demand for ships is on the increase and such an investment would create many jobs in the area.

Theo van Vuuren of the Development Bank of Southern Africa has pledged to fund to the industry, even up to a billion rand. He said that government agencies are ready to assist and give support but required an aggressive approach and speed. ''Funding is even available for training purposes but remember that any initiatives also require a sincere black economic empowerment involvement''. With the current world shipbuilding boom, the timing was right but the industry needed to find a champion as well as the players who would form a cluster or consortium and present a viable business plan.