Boat building brings in business

MAYOR Dan Plato said Cape Town’s boat building sector is a key contributor to the economy and job creation, and is expected to attract more investment.

Plato and the City’s mayoral committee member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, James Vos, visited Voyage Yachts and Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing in Paarden Island to find out what makes the local multi-billion rand boat building industry tick.

Plato said: “I am pleased to see my mayoral committee member and his management team focusing on this sector, which will attract even more investment in the enabling business environment we have created in this city.”

The City said that in 2014, Cape Town and the Western Cape generated over R1 billion in export revenue from boat building. Cape Town’s boat building industry is known globally for its world-class craftsmanship, innovation and custom-made designs.

Cape Town is the second-largest producer of recreational catamarans globally, after France. The industry has grown by 28.8% year-on-year since 2012. The industry exports 90% of the products and attracts a positive trade balance of around $73 million (over R1bn) annually.

South Africa’s marine manufacturing industry is primarily based in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. However, other areas within the Western Cape such as Knysna, George and Saldanha also make a significant contribution, the City said. |